<p>I currently have a 3.85, a 2150 SAT (700 Verbal, 800 Math) and have AP-heavy workload. My school is rigorous, to say the least, and sends many students each year to top universities around the country.</p>
<p>However, I am in doubt of my choices right now. I recently have told and semi-committed to ED'ing UPenn's Engineering program. However, I realized that I did so not because I loved the school, but because I wanted to go to a school with a big name. I already know I want to major in engineering, but the question is where.</p>
<p>I recently saw on US News that UPenn's Engineering program ranks only 28ish as opposed to other schools like Purdue and UIUC which rank in the top 10. I guess I'm sort of demotivated now in terms of me applying to UPenn ED. I mean, if the Engineering program is mediocre (which I'm solely basing it on the rankings and the fact that other schools, such as UIUC and Purdue are considered "safeties" for me) and I'm not particularly in love with the school, why bother?</p>
<p>Cornell, on the other hand, ranks high and looks and sounds great, and I think I would have less doubts if I applied there. However, knowing that Cornell ranks so high, what are my chances in getting in? My GPA, while not necessarily high, is considered above average, in the top quartile of my class. My SAT is in the middle 50% there.</p>
<p>Basically, it comes down to these questions which I hope people can help me with. US News Rankings: reliable or not? Does UPenn have a strong engineering program? What are my chances in applying ED to both Cornell and Penn?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>