I really want to apply to Harvard early, but I know that there’s a huge chance that I won’t be accepted in the early round. My stats are strong (but not super strong aka. 99+ GPA, perfect SAT, ACT, AND subject tests), and my EC’s are relatively common. However, it’s now my first choice because I can really see myself going there and participating in some specific clubs that I’ve already researched a lot about. I also love the freshman dorm → House system and how it’s in a city and close to like 10 million other schools and lots of young people because it’s ~Boston~.
On the other hand, I’m confident that if I apply to UPenn ED, there’s a high chance that I’ll be accepted, given that my ECs align very well to my intended school and major, and my background story fits in well with one of the dual-degree programs that I want to try for early (although I probably won’t get into that program), and also because it’s ED. However, when I visited UPenn, I was honestly disappointed that it didn’t vibe with me as much as I expected it would. I didn’t like the layout of the school and although I want to go to a school in a city, it seemed as though the school melded into the city, whereas Harvard still seemed like a college campus.
In addition, I reside in the U.S but am Canadian w/o permanent residency/green card, and UPenn considers Canadians & Mexicans the same as U.S. citizens/permanent residents, while for Harvard I probably would fall under the international quota? To me, it seems advantageous to apply to UPenn ED and just get the whole college admissions process over with, but a part of me wants to try for Harvard, but I have more to lose if I do that, especially if I don’t get in.
If you didn’t like the vibe at Penn, you definitely shouldn’t apply ED, I’m not even sure you should apply at all. If Harvard is your clear first choice, then apply there SCEA. What’s your potential major and what other colleges are you thinking about.
Well, you’re asking about early apps and telling why you like those targets. But you might spend the time right now figuring out what they might like in you, how you match what they want. Once better informed, you can decide on early/where in 4 months.
And it’s not just about stats or just ECs that “align very well to my intended school and major…” it takes more than that.
Agreed with others – you might also want to look at other backup schools that also have your related interests. Not just those schools are good for what you want – many other schools will have similar clubs and opportunities. For instance if you like the House System, look at Franklin and Marshall. And you know you like Boston, so also look into schools in that area. The point is, make sure you are being realistic and research all your options not just those two highly selective schools.
@CupCakeMuffins I am realistic. People from my school with similar stats and ECs as me have gotten into those schools without a hook, during early and regular decision. Although you don’t need a hook to get in, I know that these schools are still reaches for everyone.
@theloniusmonk If it’s UPenn then I’d target Huntsman Program or finance conc. at Wharton. If it’s Harvard, then statistics bc econ is too competitive and I have stats-related ECs
@shawnspencer Thanks for the advice. I already have a list of schools with various selectivity levels. My question was specifically for these two schools for EA/ED because I’m not going to apply to a less selective school ED and lock myself in when I know I can try to reach a bit higher.
@whataboutcollege I think you misinterpreted my statement. I said my stats are strong but not super strong and gave 99+ as an example of a super strong GPA, which, even in a school with an inflated GPA system, is rare to obtain.
@fluffybear Sorry about that! My D debated whether to ED a school ( I signed the ED parental consent 3 times) and finally decided not to as she was not 100% sure. She didn’t get into her SCEA school. But she never regretted her decision as she is extremely happy at where she is right now. Good luck to you!
If Harvard is your first choice, do SCEA there. The point is to get a school you are excited about, not one that highly ranked but not where you think you’ll thrive.
If that doesn’t work out for you, you have strong stats and will have other good options. No reason to set yourself up for a potential what if situation.
