Applying ED even though I'm not sure I want to go

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey all!
I'm having trouble debating whether I should do Vanderbilt Early Decision just to be safe.
To be honest, I'm not completely sure that my heart is set on Vanderbilt; but, my heart is set on going to the best university I am accepted into.</p>

<p>As a Texas resident, I am hoping to attend UT austin, but considering their top 7% admission policy, admission for me is going to be tough due to the lack of space.</p>

<p>So, I'm scared that if I get rejected from UT Austin and my other reach schools that I will have to attend a safety school. Right now, the schools that I would love to attend are Duke, Dartmouth, Upenn, Washington U, Georgia Tech, NYU, USC, Rice. But, considering that my chances for these schools are low, would it be wise to apply to Vanderbilt ED to try to maximize my chances of attending an amazing school? Or should I take my chances in regular applications and risk the possibility of rejection from maybe even all of them?</p>

<p>My stats:
I'm hispanic and the high school I attend is very rigorous. It's ranked in the top 20 high schools nationally and is very competitive, therefore my ranking is somewhat low. Hopefully this will be factored into college admission. In addition I would like to major in computer science.
Great essays.
3.5/4 unweighted GPA... huge upward trend junior and senior year
3.8 weighted GPA
45/145.... 30%
31 ACT (10 writing)(32 math, 31 English, 31 critical reading, 30 science)
2100 SAT (660 math, 710 writing, 730 critical reading)</p>

<p>SAT Subject Tests:
Physics - 740
Spanish - 770</p>

<p>AP Scores: AP scholar with distinction
Psychology - 4
Spanish - 5
Computer Science - 3
English III - 4
U.S. History - 4
Physics B - 4</p>

<p>Currently taking 6 AP classes my senior year. Will have 12 AP tests/classes by the end of graduation. Have taken all honors courses throughout highschool.</p>

<p>Extracurricular:
Member of Student Council
New Scholar Academy Mentor (chosen by school to mentor incoming freshman the monthly summer academy.
Kick off Mentor - Mentored set of students throughout whole year
Vice President of a tutoring club
Parliamentarian of Culture Club
Solar Car member
Masterminds (science trivia) competitor
KQSA representative (play music in dances, during morning, afterschool)</p>

2

<p>You should read the thread on Ed vanderbilt that is current–vanderbilt is selective also. What is your class rank percentage? Ut takes more than just the top 7%, its just not guaranteed. For wash u for example Ed is essential to get in practically. Same for ga tech. You can’t do but one Ed. I would say vanderbilt is just as difficult to get in as wash u. All three that I have mentioned are excellent choices. Have you visited them? Any chance of raising your act score? It is impressive but higher would be better as you know. Just saw you were in the top 30% which hopefully they will take into consideration the rigor of your high school. If you are a senior your apps should be in. Wash u and vanderbilt have announced their early decisions.</p>

3

<p>Yes but Vanderbilt has an second opportunity for early decision. My apps are already in. Just waiting to decide whether I want regular or early decision for Vanderbilt</p>

4

<p>NO. If you got in ED then you will be wondering “what IF” about all the other schools. Don’t do it unless you LOVE it and can afford it!</p>

5

<p>Can you pay full freight for Vandy? What safety schools have you applied to?</p>

6

<p>There are many schools between safeties and Vanderbilt or UT!
What are your 3 (-5) match schools?
How have you chosen your safeties already (UT’s?)</p>

7

<p>Only apply ED if it is THE school for you. Make sure you have safeties because Vanderbilt is selective.</p>