<p>So M&T really appeals to me, but I was wondering if there is any significant advantage to applying ED to the program that will increase my chances of getting accepted. I feel that having an MBA along with a primary field of study (engineering in my case) will be really helpful in the future. So should I apply ED to the program?</p>
<p>bbbummpppp</p>
<p>yes. it’s harder to get in RD than ED. However, does RD have unspoken advantages? sort of. They offer special programs, sort of as resume boosters and incentive to turn down HYPSM, to really really good RD candidates, but not ED candidates. Is it worth applying RD because you think you can get them? I would go with no. If M&T is your first choice, then go ED because it does help.</p>
<p>Yup, altEentrepreneur is (as usual) right on. However, a couple other points to consider:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Financial Aid—If you need it, its likely Penn will screw you if you apply ED. I come from one of those middle class families that doesnt get a whole ton of money from non-HYP ivies. Penn gave me a financial aid offer that had over 14k less in grants than dartmouth’s offer did. I got them to match my deal there so I could enroll. If I had applied ED, I would have been in a huge bind.</p></li>
<li><p>Those honors programs discussed are great. They are…well…perks. They look nice on a resume. And they are definately worth doing for single degree kids. Now, you are going for M&T tho. M&T is arguably (vagelos MLS might be harder…I have no clue) the most rigorious program at Penn. I have seen the schedules these guys take; they humble me =D. Would you really want to add some more honors seminar courses to that. I am in LSM (a program a bit easier than M&T), and I still would not try to juggle those honors classes. </p></li>
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<p>Haha so ya just two things to think about.</p>
<p>Well put, Rob. By the way, I think we met at the airport after Penn previews. You were with your parents flying through chicago, right? Anyway-</p>
<p>I wanted to comment and agree with rtgrove that applying ED to Penn has the disadvantage of hurting your financial aid, if you get into another ivy that offers more. However if money is not a problem, then that’s even more reason to apply ED. However, these “honors” classes are more like interesting, engaging seminars. If you into one of these programs, you get top priority on picking classes, which is sweet. I wouldn’t say that they are necessarily harder or more work, but are catered to a more intellectual, discussion-based style.</p>
<p>And yeah, our schedules suck compared to the college kids, believe me. But in the end, it’s worth it.</p>