Dilemma

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I'm a student from India, who is going to his 2nd year of IB on 16th August. </p>

<p>My numbers and extra currics are something that I would consider to be slightly below Ivy League standards (2200 in SAT, around 38 is what my outside-school counselor predicted). Until recently I was VERY sure that I was going to apply to Penn for Early Decision for Life Sciences and Management, but recent encounters with certain people have given me reason to believe that my numbers may fall short for Penn and schools of similar calibre. After Penn, Brown is my second choice school and I'm almost certain that these are my top 2 choices of schools. </p>

<p>Now, people have told me to apply to Brown ED instead of Penn because last year, almost 10% of our schools batch was given a seat at Brown (6). Also, in the last two years, no one from my school has gotten into Penn. These people believe that I have a better chance at Brown than Penn because of the above factors.</p>

<p>My plan as of now is to finish both the essays for Brown as well as Penn, and gradually take both your opinions as well as everyone I know's opinions and finally taking a decision midway through September.</p>

<p>I have also posted this in the Brown section to see both opinions.</p>

<p>I will be glad if I get into either school, Penn or Brown, and my sole dilemma is about which one I should apply to ED, and which school I should push back to RD?</p>

<p>Thank you for any replies!</p>

2

<p>To be honest if I were you I’d go for my dream school for ED. The worst thing would be to get into Brown only to “what if…?” about applying to Penn for the rest of your life.</p>

<p>Besides, 38 for predicted is not terrible if you can back it up with extracurriculars and a solid essay.</p>

3

<p>You’re deciding where to apply ED based on your chances of getting in? You should only do that if you honestly truly believe that you would be equally happy at either school. Keep in mind that if you get into Brown ED, you won’t even get to apply to Penn… ever. If you think you would feel even a little regret after doing Brown ED, then you shouldn’t do it.</p>

<p>You only get one shot at ED, so use it on the school where you would truly be happy. If you’re applying just because it’s easier, your lack of true motivation will probably show in your essays.</p>