Happy New Year,
This is current senior applying to many colleges for regular decision round. I’ve heard acceptances from couple of safety schools with very generous grants. So far, I’ve applied to almost 30 colleges, including 15 Reaches, 10 Target/match, and 5 safeties, which I would be definitely happy to be attend. (Yes, it might be a bit big number, but early rejection from my top choice, one of high reaches, gave me sense of urgency.)
The Common Application only allows 20 colleges to send application, and I’ve applied to 19 (Coalitian Application is not an option since I did not notify my recommenders about it).
For the last spot, I’ve contemplated if I should apply to which school among three above. All institutions have generous financial aid for my circumstances, excellent academic departments in my interest field, and I would love to go with their vibes as a Type-A student.
The only differences in application wise are SUPPLEMENT ESSAYS.
Harvard has the supplement topic that I’ve previously written. Thus, I was planning to apply to Harvard as a lottery, requiring no additional effort/time. Meanwhile, Princeton requires two supplement essays that I’ve not previously written, particularly for the topic. I might be able to re-use some of the other topic essays by cutting some parts out and adding some more words to fit the topic, but it will require time, and unsure if I would be able to do so by 11:59 PM tonight. Meanwhile, I’ve been keep conflicting due to wonderful focus on undergraduate education in Princeton, while Harvard focuses on grad school. Furthermore, the community/vibe wise, I feel like fitting more to Princeton better than Harvard (If I could boldly compare myself, haha…) since I look for more value in intellectual inquiry/academics over leadership/networking for my undergrad education.
Meanwhile, my contemplation above is most likely to be unnecessary/delusional(considering my chance) since both are two of the most selective institutions in the nation. Therefore, University of Rochester caught my eye since they have constantly sent me notification through email that I will be automatically considered for merit scholarship/ priority admission review to receive my decision by mid-January(I would be happy to receive swift decision, hopefully good news).
I have academic stats that put me in the median quartile range for Harvard and Princeton. Extracurricular activities are unique, dedicated to several that I have passion on, including many leadership positions, and an independant research on my interest field. (On the CC “unique extra-curricular activities forum guideline,” these would score from 5-7). I believe recs are moderately solid, if not outstanding.
Would appreciate helps to make a last minute decision.