Crossroads. Where to ED/EA? Columbia vs. Stanford

College Search & Selection
1

Simply put, I have a “realistic” attempt at a hopeful shot of being admitted to either Columbia University or Stanford University…

They both equally cater to my major choice and I personally can see myself being happy at either.

I get one restrictive EA/ED application to either of these schools.

Stanford Restrictive EA pros:

Admissions likelihood essentially doubles (5% to 10%)

Dream school (literally… top choice since forever… if I’m gonna be honest I’d be happier here than Columbia)

Cons: It’s still a long shot, if I miss this I essentially gave up my much more realistic shot at Columbia

Columbia ED pros:

Admissions likelihood almost quadruples (5.5% to 19.5ish%)

Legacy connection I suppose? Single mother parent attended for her PhD

Great school, family happy

Won’t need to apply anywhere else and be done with it

Cons: Won’t ever find out if I could have gone to Stanford…

Do I do the “right thing” that everyone else wants is the most realistically likely and save myself a few months now?

Or do some kind of fairytale go-on-a-whim thing and take a blind shot at Stanford.

I could still dream about getting my kids to go there… if I’m successful by going to Columbia… but I won’t have ever gotten to know what it’s like to meet up with my friends, past and existing at Old Union or try that Dulce de Leche Curros thing at CoHo again.

I just want y’all opinion. What would you do? I’m not asking you to make this decision for me, so don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind.

2

I may be old fashioned but I would only apply ED to a school that was my absolute number one choice. Sounds like if you got into Columbia ED you would always be wondering “what if.”

3

That’s true… and I’ve been thinking about that, too, but in this day and age where everything’s so competitive, I was just wondering if I should take what I can get and “get real”, ya know?

4

I suggest applying EA or ED to the one you most want to attend.

5

You should do Stanford…you will always wonder. Spend more time finding match and safety schools than worrying about this.

But actually getting real, you probably won’t get into either (see their acceptance rates)so at least go for the one you really want.