<p>Upenn offers dual major programs such as Huntsman and Jeremy Fischer M&T, in which I can major in both Wharton and SAS/SEAS. Then on a second option, I choose one major that I would be considered for if I'm rejected from the dual major programs. But if I apply for, for example, the M&T program for Early Decision and choose Engineering as my second option, why in the world would Upenn accept me into the M&T program? It's a binding early decision, so if they reject me from M&T and accept me into Engineering, I'd have no say in this decision and I'd have to attend Upenn anyways. Instead, it's more logical for Upenn to redirect all Early Decision M&T applicants (if they're qualified) to their second choice (one major) since they have to attend Upenn no matter what, and then save those M&T spots for Regular Decision to bait highly qualified Upenn applicants who are trying to decide between Upenn and Harvard/Princeton.
So would it be a bad idea to Early Decision to Upenn on these dual major programs, or am I just paranoid? Problem is I really want to attend Upenn, but the selectivity of these dual-major programs is so high that it's a waste not to choose a second option (one major). How many people actually get into these programs during Early Decision?</p>
<p>that makes no sense. You're saying M&T should risk its high yield to attract students who wouldn't go to Penn otherwise. Penn has no shortage of students that it needs to get more to make more $. The entire benefit of ED to colleges/programs is it helps the applicants chances and the college/program's yield. Just like Penn has an ED option, M&T does too and it works exactly the same way.</p>
<p>Okay, so you've pretty much overanalyzed the situation beyond recognition. All you need to consider is: if I am accepted to M&T ED at Penn... is that the place I want to be for the next four years? Then: if I am accepted at Penn Engineering, is that the place I want to be for the next four years?</p>
<p>If the answer is yes, make your second choice an early decision as well. If not, then don't. Don't worry about the numbers.</p>