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These five schools aren’t places to apply on a whim.

If you’re just starting your applications, here’s an overview of what happens when you apply Early to these schools and how their Early admission processes work:

Harvard - REA (Restrictive Early Action)
Yale - SCEA (Single Choice Early Action)
Princeton - SCEA (Single Choice Early Action)
Stanford - REA (Restrictive Early Action)
MIT - EA (Early Action)

What Do These Terms Mean?

term

SCEA (Single Choice Early Action): Nonbinding
REA (Restrictive Early Action): Nonbinding

Both terms essentially mean the same thing. If you apply through these plans, you cannot apply to Private Early programs or binding options (like Early Decision, or ED). However, you can still apply to Nonbinding Early programs such as Public Early or Public Rolling admissions.

Example:

If you apply to Stanford (REA), you cannot apply to MIT (EA) because MIT is a private institution.
If you apply to MIT (EA), you can still apply to Public Early or Public Rolling admissions.

What Happens After Submitting Applications?

Harvard

Within 2–3 days, you’ll receive an email confirming your application and providing login details for Harvard’s portal. This portal is where additional materials not included in your Common App or Coalition App may be requested.

harvard-login

harvard-application

When you log in:

Confirm your application details and admission cycle.
Check the list of required materials (e.g., Application Fee, School Transcript, Recommendation Letters, Standardized Test Scores) and ensure all items are marked as complete.

Optional Materials You Can Upload:

Scholarly Articles
Research Papers or Presentations
Creative Writing Samples
Personal Updates or Application Edits
Unofficial Transcripts
Military Veteran Documents

For research submissions: Include a cover sheet explaining the motivation behind the research, the primary author (if not you), and your supervisor’s name.

Tip: If research materials are requested, submit them! Even with a strong GPA, they can boost your application.

Yale

Yale follows a similar process:

You’ll receive a portal email within 2–3 days.
Log in, review the checklist, and address any incomplete items.

Yale warns against uploading:

Financial aid documents
General staff inquiries

Updates can include awards, changes in senior-year courses, or significant life events (e.g., switching from Early to Regular Decision).

Accepted Supplementary Materials:

Arts or STEM certificates
International exam results

Princeton

Princeton’s process aligns with Harvard and Yale:

You’ll receive a portal email with login details.
Check your application materials and submit any missing documents.

princeton-application

Unique Requirement: Princeton asks for graded written papers (e.g., essays graded by a teacher). This allows them to compare your Common App essay with authentic schoolwork. Consistency between these writings is essential to avoid raising concerns.

Other Optional Submissions:

Research Abstracts
Resumes
Certificates of Achievement

Stanford

Stanford’s process is similar:

Look out for a portal email.
Log in, review the checklist, and upload updates (e.g., research, awards, or essays).

MIT

MIT uses its own application platform. After submitting your application:

Expect a portal email.
Be patient, as MIT may delay updates on checklist items due to the high volume of applicants.

Conclusion

Submitting an Early application is just the beginning. Be proactive about uploading updates and supplementary materials through the school portals to strengthen your application.

This is why participating in research projects and writing competitions can be so valuable—they provide impressive materials to share with admissions committees.

We’ve covered what happens after submitting Early applications to HYPSM universities. If you have questions, feel free to contact A-One Institute.

Thank you!

hypsm

Understanding Early Applications to Top Universities

aoneinstituteoffice@gmail.com