<p>My top choice college is Tufts and I've come to the conclusion that I have a solid shot at acceptance if I apply ED, but a very, very slim one if I apply RD (due to a huge number of overly/extremely qualified kids who will apply as a backup or just to see if they get in with little intention to go). The issue here is not money; it's that my parents want me to apply to a lot of reach schools (ex. ivies, top tears, top LAC's) just to see where I get in because "you never know unless you apply". If I do that, I'll be doing a lot more work application wise and will most likely receive rejections from a bunch of schools I'm not passionate about going to AND a rejection letter from my favorite school which I actually had a chance of getting into ED. Any help on how to approach this will be appreciated! thanks!</p>
<p>“top tears” LOL</p>
<p>No but really, just tell them everything you told us here. Be rational and calm. </p>
<p>I would assume that your stats are not competitive for the Ivies then. While sometimes I think that the chance me section of this forum is somewhat cruel, you might consider posting a thread there and showing your parents the results.</p>
<p>If you think you don’t have a chance at top-tier schools and top LACs, you’re not going to get into Tufts ED.</p>
<p>@happyhelper @soze just posted stats on a chance me</p>
<p>I think you should be allowed to do what you want. It makes sense to me. </p>
<p>My D2 did exactly that with her ED school. </p>
<p>She certainly had shots at more competitive schools but liked the feel of where she is attending and didn’t want to partake in the rat race. </p>
<p>After checking out your chance me I think that you definitely have a good shot at getting into an Ivy if you apply early decision/early action. However, you should still apply to the school you like! Tufts is just as good as any highly competitive school, and your passion for the school will show through in your essays. </p>
<p>If “top tier” designation is so important to your parents in and of itself, then maybe you should remind them that Tufts is top tier. </p>
<p>Perhaps go over your stats with them and maybe meet with your guidance counselor to see if he can persuade them.</p>