<p>I'm definitely going to apply early decision to Dartmouth, but was thinking of applying to other schools like Boston College, Georgetown, Caltech and UChicago early action to hedge my bets and so that by December I can at least have a better idea of my options if I dont get into Dartmouth.
However, all of these EA schools say you're not allowed to apply to schools early decision because then you wouldnt be free to accept their offer. I dont get this cause I can easily reject any offer for any reason regardless of my being bound to attend another school.</p>
<p>Anyway, is there any way these early action schools will actually know that I'm applying to Dartmouth early decison?</p>
<p>Ethics issues aside … it’s nearly impossible for your high school registrar, your guidance counselor, and the teachers who write your recommendation letters not to know.</p>
<p>You really don’t want to try to beat the system. You’ll most likely lose. Worse you’ll compromise your entire application process – not just for EA/ED but for regular decision.</p>
<p>And of course there is also that “ethics issue”.</p>
<p>No you can’t reject the offer because ED is restrictive, if you get in you go there. EA can also be restrictive. You have to follow the rules otherwise the colleges won’t touch you, there are plenty of other equally talented students who would love your spot and followed the rules.</p>
<p>I know ED is restrictive, I’m just saying that the reasoning behind not allowing EA applicants to apply to an ED school as well is slightly flawed, because an applicant could just as easily reject the EA school’s offer for another reason other than being bound to attend another place.</p>
<p>That being said, I do understand and agree with what you guys are saying about the ethics of the issue, it’s just if/ how would these EA schools know if an applicant applied ED somewhere that I don’t understand.</p>
<p>boomroasted, are you sure that Caltech and UChicago don’t allow you to also submit an ED application elsewhere? I’ve never seen that mentioned before, and don’t see it on their website. Might be something new I learn today. </p>
<p>Being interested in both Dartmouth and Caltech is an unusual overlap. :)</p>