<p>I am torn between the three. I'll be needing lots of fin. aid. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Major : Physics / 3-2 Engineering.</p>
<p>Yes. ED is binding. If you're torn between the three, don't apply ED. If you need to compare financial aid packages, don't apply ED. That goes for EDI or EDII. The potential "admissions bump" isn't strong enough to override the fact that you don't know where you want to go, and you might not be able to afford it even if you do get in.</p>
<p>Although Oberlin and Colgate are two of the stronger (and larger) science LACs, their cultures are very different and I would think a closer inspection would help you decide which is more suited to you. A 3/2 engineering program seems logistically onerous to me and you might want to consider LACs that offer an engineering degree: Swarthmore, Bucknell, Lafayette, Union.</p>
<p>Most probably I'll be going in for Physics.</p>
<p>Chedva: I am applying ED to Dartmouth. Oberlin and Colgate are going to meet my need if admitted. Yes they might calculate 'need' according to their own set rules but my financial condition is simple. I need almost a full ride or I cannot attend. So there isnt any harm in applying ED II to any of them. I had written a mail to them and they said they wont admit me if they wont be able to give money.</p>
<p>I'd pick Oberlin, but that's because it's the one I know the most about (thanks to Kriti!)</p>
<p>All right, you believe FA is not a problem. That still doesn't answer the question of where you want to go. Only apply ED to your number 1 school. If you don't have a number 1 (and you don't), then don't apply ED. ED "just because" is the easiest way to disappoint yourself and end up regretting your decision.</p>
<p>Dartmouth has been my number one since a year. My posts on the D forum are a testimony to that :p</p>
<p>Yes, I understand that. However, the considerations for ED II are no different than for ED I and that's what I was replying to. Applying ED I to Dartmouth - no brainer. But if Dartmouth is #1, and you get deferred, why would you even think about ED II? And you don't know which to apply to ED II? Not a good situation.</p>
<p>^ oh crap I didn't think about that. Thanks Chedva :)</p>
<p>Colgate, Bucknell, Lafayette, Union are more similar to Dartmouth than is Oberlin, which is more in the mold of Wesleyan, Vassar, Bates.</p>
<p>gellino makes a really good point. Having gotten to know both schools well, Colgate always struck me as a mini-Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Dartmouth is generally viewed as Republican/conservative, while Oberlin is a very liberal school. Although I'm sure each school has many exceptions to this rule.</p>
<p>^^^ Both are liberal, although Oberlin is just more known for it.</p>
<p>I'm surprised that it's been more than two hours and slipper hasn't jumped on to refute princessbell yet. However, I would say that schools like Oberlin, Wesleyan, Vassar are certainly regarded as more liberal and hippie than Dartmouth, Colgate, Bucknell, Lafayette.</p>
<p>And HSN, that is actually exactly how I have thought of Colgate as well.</p>