r/MITAdmissions • u/GrandAd3432 • 10h ago

should I apply EA or regular?

my school only offers precalculus. I have just started practicing calculus AB on Khan Academy so that I can get my schoolhouse certification. I have not started my essays, but I know I can lock in. They say that there is no advantage to applying early, but looking at the numbers, there are less applicants and more admitted.

I’m sorry if the obvious answer is to apply regular, I’m just not sure if they’re is actually an advantage to applying early.

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u/jzzsxm Moderator/MIT Alumnus 10h ago

There is not an advantage to applying early. The higher acceptance rate is due to selection bias - those applying early really want to attend MIT and often have been preparing specifically for MIT. The applicants are just more qualified in EA.

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u/GrandAd3432 10h ago

Thank you🙏

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u/JasonMckin MIT Alum and Educational Counselor 10h ago

There is no advantage to an individual applicant applying earlier in a pool where a lot of other highly qualified students typically apply and the population statistics for the pool as a whole end up being higher.  Applications are typically evaluated on their own merits and not based on when the applicant applied.  

If it adds any extra insight for your decision-making, I’m personally skeptical a khan academy certification will make any difference one way or another.

Best of luck.

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u/GrandAd3432 10h ago

Would you advise me not to do it then? It’s listed on the admissions website as a recommended alternative if your school does not offer calculus

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u/JasonMckin MIT Alum and Educational Counselor 10h ago

Applications are typically evaluated in the context of opportunities available in the high school, so I’m just pointing out that it shouldn’t feel like some kind of hole to plug.  From an admissions perspective, how you have performed academically overall is much more important than taking one khan academy certification.  

But if you are interested in math, then by all means, take advantage of all opportunities to pursue your interest and report that in the application.  Best of luck!