Brown ED or Harvard SCEA?

College Search & Selection
1

I’m still deliberating between these two colleges. I love Brown and would happily attend the school if I got in ED. However, I have legacy at Harvard, and I feel like it would help me in the early round. I really like both schools (plus, my uncle lives down the street from Harvard so I would be able to live in an apt. for free in my upperclassman years). I have middle 50% scores for both schools, and a ton of ECs (my biggest one being very unique and time consuming). I saw that Brown accepted 22% of its early applicants this year (obviously it is the stronger pool), but I feel like applying ED would definitely boost my chances. And, although Harvard accepted a lower % of applicants for SCEA, I still think that being legacy would tip the scales in my favor. I’m interested in screenwriting and creative writing, among MANY other things, and I’ve heard great things about both colleges’ writing programs. Also, both offer everything I want in a college (these two were two of the few colleges that met all of my wants). I still don’t know what to do about this. Both colleges are definitely a long shot, but I want to put my relentless chance threading to bed - permanently. What do you guys think? Would I have a better chance of getting into Harvard SCEA or getting into Brown ED? I will chance back! Thanks for your time in advance.

2

If Brown is your absolute 100% top choice then apply there ED. If you are not ready to made a decision, apply to Harvard SCEA.

3

@happy1 do you think I have better chances at one over the other?

4

Personally, no.

Legacy is only a small boost, and legacy at Harvard is outweighed by the super-strong SCEA pool that applies there.

5

Have you visited both schools (preferably staying overnight in the dorms), while classes were in session?

6

@iwannabe_Brown I have visited both, but not overnight. I didn’t visit while classes were in session either. I visited both in the summer. I’m kind of worried that I won’t be able to do that before applying; however, I’ve heard that the atmosphere at Brown is more “chill” while at Harvard it’s more “competitive.” Just from what I’ve been hearing, I think I would prefer Brown (I also hear that Brown is a very accepting school).

7

That’s a strange pair to be deciding between. Have you really deeply researched what kind of school is best for you? Visiting a an empty campus doesn’t tell you much.

8

I would be hesitant to apply ED if you didn’t visit the school in session.

9

Agree with @happy1 - ED is a big commitment and requires extensive research, which includes a comprehensive visit.

10

Not really: http://www.youngprodigy.com/wp-content/uploads/Harvard-Brown-Small.jpg
;))

But I agree with the others supporting my point (obviously). For reference, my GC required us to have 5 visits to schools while in session (preferably overnights) before we were allowed to apply ED.