<p>I will be applying early decision this upcoming fall. I am torn between Duke and Cornell, both of which are my top choices. My grades and scores are up to par with both, but:</p>
<p>For Duke, I have the advantage that my sister attended there a few years ago, but the downside is that its early decision acceptance rate is 25%</p>
<p>For Cornell, I have a teacher who attended Cornell whom I'm close with. He is willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The ED acceptance rate is about 33%. </p>
<p>Which one would you choose to apply? Both have fantastic research opportunities and I would be grateful to be accepted into either.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like you’re not the right applicant for ED, as you do not have a clear cut first choice. </p>
<p>Duke’s ED acceptance rate is 25%, but it’s regular rate is even lower.
For Cornell you should have that teacher write that rec either way. </p>
<p>Honestly, apply to the one that you have stronger feelings for. They’re both equally amazing schools.
A higher ED rate at one vs. another isn’t going to help all that much.</p>
<p>Duke is probably looking to accept more kids ED next year (like it did this year). Factor that into the calculus. Also, being a legacy will help more if you apply in the ED round. Both schools are excellent. Pick whichever one you feel more comfortable at.</p>