<p>@juillet: without ED, the percentage of admission was about 5% last year (likely to be 3-4 this year). So, 1:20 is the reasonable odd. For candidats with a hook (such as being low-income, since Harvard is trying to recruit low income students) and a nearly perfect record like OP’s, odds are higher, so 1:10 for convenience’s sake since we can’t really “predict” anything - this is just a rough estimate for OP to keep hopes in check but not renounce.</p>
<p>Questbrige multiplies the odds of getting in because students who apply through it are mentored and preselected. Your odds of getting into an elite school are multiplied by three and for schools in the top 30 multiplied by 5 (if you compare regular RD students to match students. You could compare odds of ED vs. Questbridge and still get higher odds for Questbridge). However remember that Questbridge is selective. You can apply for the summer mentorship program as a junior, and the summer of your senior year you can apply for the College program. You’ll be able to choose 8 “matches” and if a college on your list chooses you they guarantee to cover your financial need without loans. Then you have the regular round where Questbridge students are especially identified compared to “non-pre-selected” candidates. All Questbridge candidates are exceptional students from lower-income families.</p>
<p>Very importantly: do not fixate on a specific college. Any college (university and LAC) in the top 25 will get you where you want to go.
Go see your counselor to get your test fee waivers and application fee waivers.</p>
<p>I agree that the UC’s would be good safeties for you since you’re pretty sure of getting into at least one among UCB, UCLA, and UCSD.</p>