<p>I have two top choices: Oberlin college and Bates college.</p>
<p>I really like both but want to apply early to one to improve my chances. I am applying to other schools but they are sort of throwaways/safeties that I wouldn't want to go to even if I got in. </p>
<p>Should I apply early decision II to one for the sake of better chances of admission?</p>
<p>Quick Stats:
GPA: 3.8(might go down slightly after this semester)
8 APs
SAT: math: 680 reading: 780 writing: 680
average extracurriculars(girl scouts(gold award), nhs(vp), summer internship, drums/music)
3 other people from my school applying to oberlin(2 ed), 1 other person applying to bates, all with similar stats to mine, and I go to a pretty small school(around 1100 students)</p>
<p>If so, which one has a better environmental studies program?</p>
<p>I am not that preppy and don't drink/do drugs, I would describe myself as a slightly nerdy otherwise "normal"(w/e that means) person who is a vegan and sorta environmentalist. Have heard oberlin is more activist/environmental. Have heard everyone drinks at Bates and it is more preppy than Oberlin. However Bates has better outdoor opportunities because of its location, and I don't know if Oberlin has that.</p>
<p>I was able to visit both but I was there when there were very few students on campus and I didn't do overnights, so I didn't get a good feel for the student bodies at the two colleges. I have also heard Lewiston(Bates) isn't safe but I didn't feel unsafe when I visited, although I didn't walk around in the town, I only drove through it.</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated thanks!</p>