The skeleton, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other components of joints make up the musculoskeletal system. The skeleton provides strength, stability, and a frame for muscles to work against in producing movement. Bones also serve as shields to protect delicate internal organs.
Stanford University, which has a nonbinding early-action process, accepted 10.2% of its early applicants, or 743 students, according to the Stanford Daily. That's a 0.6% decrease from last year's early-admission rate. MIT accepted 625 of its 6519 early-decision applicants for a 9.6% acceptance rate.
Applying Early Decision. Students who apply early decision at many schools often have an admission advantage. In 2010, for instance, the acceptance rate for early decision applications across the country was 70% versus 55% of all applicants, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling.