<p>Coming from an unconventional charter school, I don't actually have a GPA: students are assessed relative to their own needs in a narrative format. Though my transcript reflects my academic strength in ways that a traditional one wouldn't, I'm worried that some colleges will look at it and not want to bother. I'm sure that I have a chance of getting into these schools; I'm just not sure, even compared to the percentage of applicants admitted, what my personal chances actually are. Early Action seemed like a great opportunity to get the stress out of the way and figure out where I stand as quickly as possible.</p>
<p>Anyway, I'm applying to two Ivies. The problem is that these are far from my only reach schools: seven of nine schools on my list are some sort of reach, whether it's due to my befuddling transcript, comparatively lackluster SAT scores (at most of my chosen schools I fall to the lower end or squarely in the center of their middle 50), or lack of involvement in extracurriculars until the middle of tenth grade. (I do plan to interview at as many schools as possible, and I'm currently pouring my heart and soul into my essay.) </p>
<p>So... do I pick one Ivy League school to apply Early Action to, or do I apply Early Action to a selection of other schools, including a safety, so I at least know I have someplace to go?</p>