<p>Hi Everyone! I'm a rising senior looking for some advice on where to apply.</p>
<p>So right now I'm trying to decide between Princeton and Yale EA (and this might be a totally pointless post because who knows if I even have a chance). Here's my problem: I'm a double legacy at Princeton, so obviously I have a much better chance there, but Yale is my dream school. My mom and college counsler think I should play it safe and apply to Princeton, with the added worry that if I didn't they would sense my disinterest and the legacy advantage wouldn't count come RD. But I'm worried that if I choose Princeton, Yale might assume that I'm not seriously interested, epecially considering the legacy. </p>
<p>Just a note, I would be so honored to be accepted to either school and am so grateful to even have a legacy advantage at a place like Princeton. </p>
<p>Any advice? Should I play it safe or go for what I really want?</p>
<p>I really think you should apply early to Princeton. If you’re good enough to get in Yale SCEA, you will be good enough to get in RD. On the other hand, you only get the legacy advantage at Princeton SCEA. That’s too good to give up.</p>
<p>If you like Yale more, apply there. Princeton will still be there If you get deferred/rejected
Good luck! I am debating on schools as well, except I dont have legacy to anywhere I’m applying :P</p>
<p>Both Yale and Princeton will know you are a double-legacy at Princeton because you must list the colleges your parent’s attended on the Common App. If you apply EA to Yale, you are signaling to Yale that you are more interested in them than Princeton. Assuming you have the stats for Yale – that fact will probably be noted in committee discussion and could result a favorable decision. If you apply regular to Princeton, however, Princeton is left in the dark as to why you didn’t apply early. It could be that you applied early somewhere else, but it also could be that you didn’t have your essay’s ready in time. </p>
<p>If you honestly have the stats to get admitted to both schools, apply EA to Yale, which you have indicated is your first choice. But, if your stats are on the border-line, apply to Princeton EA – as the double-leagacy will definitely be helpful.</p>
<p>I agree with what gibby said…sort of. You obviously have good stats if you’re seriously considering these two schools, but they can’t define whether or not you get in. The truth is that you won’t have “borderline” scores, because even perfect scores/GPAs/etc. don’t make it in to top schools all the time. With the being said, and given the crapshoot that admissions are, you’re much safer with Princeton EA as opposed to Yale EA, as the double legacy will be extremely helpful. </p>
<p>I visited both of these schools and more, and while there often is a higher acceptance rate, it is significantly insignificant to apply early at a given school…the only benefit is that you find out early. An EA student will have the same chances as an RD student getting into a school…at least, that is what they say.</p>
<p>If I were in your position, I would go with Princeton, as I, too, would be honored to attend (even if it wasn’t my first choice). There’s a lot less risk in doing so, which I would enjoy. While the few-month-longer wait for a Yale decision could be pretty bothersome, at least you could (hopefully) use the fact you got into Princeton as an assurance.</p>
<p>What do I know though? If you love Yale, apply Yale.</p>