Lower my standards for early decision?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys,
I have a question about early decision that I hope you guys can help me with. I'm a senior interested in engineering, and I've already applied to MIT's early action, which is non-binding. I've read that early decision is a great way to maximize your chances of getting into a tough school because the increase in acceptance rate is so much higher. I'm thinking about applying to either Carnegie Mellon or Cornell early decision, which both have early decision acceptance rates of around 25-30% compared to their regular 10-15%. Obviously these schools are not at the same level as MIT, but should I sacrifice this difference in education/prestige in order to get into a still awesome school in the (unlikely) event that I get accepted to both? I mean, on the one hand not applying early decision seems like such a wasted opportunity. On the other, I don't want to squander my chances of going to my dream school if I get accepted to both, which I know is ridiculously optimistic (but hey, I'm just weighing all my options...)</p>

<p>I guess my question is: does early decision really have that big of a difference in acceptance? Are the sheer numbers really that revealing, or is there something else going on that I don't understand (like selectivity of applicant pools, etc.)?</p>

<p>All responses are welcome! </p>

2

<p>What do you mean they’re not at the same level as MIT? CMU is ranked above MIT for CompSci, it depends on the major really.</p>

3

<p>Early Decision is only appropriate if the school is your realistic first choice, and you will not need to compare financial aid offers with other schools.</p>

4

<p>Early decision makes sense if it is the school that you absolutely want to go and is affordable. If you are admitted, you need to withdraw your applications at other schools (including your dream school). If you have any doubt, do not apply ED.</p>

5

<p>I agree with @ucbalumnus‌ in that you should only use ED on a school that is a clear top choice. It should not be simply to gain an advantage for acceptance to a school that is not your absolute first choice. You never want to have regrets if you get into a college ED and it sounds to me like you might.</p>

6

<p>like bagelboy said, you’re casual dismissal of CMU and Cornell shows poorly on your knowledge of other colleges. There are MANY high level programs in this country.</p>

7

<p>As some wise CCer once said, complaining about getting into CMU or Cornell ED and losing out on your slim chance at MIT is like crying over getting a Porsche for your birthday because you didn’t get a Ferrari.</p>