<p>So I'm starting my applications and am hoping to done with the first round before the start of school. I've visited 18 schools so far and am planning to visit 3 more in the next week. Out of all of these my favorite two have been Vanderbilt and Duke. Both of these schools are super competitive and I definitely think I need the ED bump in order to get in (you can see my stats here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1660916-is-my-list-realistic-will-chance-back.html#latest">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1660916-is-my-list-realistic-will-chance-back.html#latest</a>). I think I would probably fit in at Vanderbilt best, like everyone in school thinks that this is the perfect school for me; but I still really liked Duke. However, I'm worried I'll regret not applying to Duke since it is such a prestigious school. I don't know what to do, so any input would be appreciated!!</p>
<p>Vanderbilt is also pretty prestigious, but you shouldn’t worry about chasing prestige. If you feel like Vanderbilt is the right environment for you, would you seriously trade that just to have random people be a little more likely to fawn over you? I mean, we’re talking about lay prestige here- a system that takes in the least amount of information possible.</p>
<p>After all, how many people who love using that term (not on CC, since we’re kind of a special group) can even tell you which colleges are in the Ivy League? Prestige doesn’t matter in the slightest.</p>
<p>Vandy is also a very prestigious college. Don’t disregard fit as an important attribute in finding the right college Bit if you will have regrets if you get into Vandy, then maybe don’t apply anywhere ED – I think ED should only be used if you have a clear cut first choice… </p>
<p>If you need to compare FA offers then don’t use ED.</p>