<p>I am in a dilemma on which school to pick for Early Decision. I want to major in chemical engineering (just engineering in the case of Harvey Mudd). There are many pros and cons between the two schools and I am having a tough time deciding which one I should apply Early Decision to. </p>
<p>Cornell - prestigious ivy, mid-sized, research opportunities, some exciting athletics, more social life, bad weather (I am from California)
Harvey Mudd - top ranked non-docorate engineering school, small, emphasis on academics, no athletics, social life not huge, good weather</p>
<p>I enjoy sports and a social life, but I realize academics come first. Money is not a factor.
Also, is it a problem that Harvey Mudd does not have specific engineering majors?
I suppose the fact that Harvey Mudd has a higher ED acceptance rate is also an advantage.</p>
<p>Which university/atmosphere do you feel is better for me? Which one should I apply ED to?</p>
<p>No one has anything???</p>
<p>why these two? there are too many good chem e programs to consider that are comparable. these two schools are so different that you cannot choose unless personal factors are considered.</p>
<p>I chose these two because they both have very strong engineering programs and at the top of my list. Top tier schools such as Stanford and MIT are out of my range. They also both have Early Decision, so I would have an increased chance of getting accepted. Because of this, I want to pick the right one to apply ED.</p>
<p>Since you don’t have a clear favorite, you shouldn’t be applying ED. Having an edge in admissions isn’t worth it if you don’t already know that your ED school is THE one true choice for you. Apply to both during RD.</p>
<p>Have you considered GA Tech? They have an OUTSTANDING Engineering program.</p>
<p>I agree with Slithey Tove - don’t apply ED unless you know and love a school, and these two are radically different. In the next several months, you will learn a LOT about colleges, probably many times what you already know. You don’t want to be tied down based on incomplete information.
Harvey Mudd may have a higher acceptance rate, but that’s because fewer people apply, not because they have lower standards. According to College Board:
SAT Middle 50% Reading: Mudd 670 - 760, MIT 670 - 760, Cornell 640 - 730
Math: Mudd 740 - 790, MIT 740 - 800, Cornell 670 - 770
Writing: Mudd 670 - 760, MIT 670 - 770
ACT: Mudd 32 - 35, MIT 32 - 35, Cornell 29 - 33</p>
<p>Mudd and MIT (from this inadequate numbers perspective) are nearly identical. Cornell’s numbers are lower, but that includes the whole school, not just the engineers.</p>