<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm trying to decide wether it is worth it to apply ED to Cornell or apply RD and then apply EA to MIT. I really liked both MIT and Cornell, although I would have to say that I liked MIT more. I am interested in studying engineering, probably electrical, and I know both schools have great programs. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it worth giving up my chance at MIT to get a higher chance at getting into Cornell.</p>
<p>As far as stats go, I am a white male from NYC. I go to a small prestigious private school (only 2 kids, of the 7 that have applied, have been accepted to MIT in the past 5-10 years. About 40/100 kids have been accepted to Cornell).
SAT: 2110 (650 CR, 800 M, 660 W) I am retaking in october. I am also taking the ACT in september
SAT 2: 800 Math 2, 760 Physics (didnt take AP if that matters), 750 Bio M, 760 Math 1
My school doesnt do GPA, but I would guess I have ~4.0 unweighted.
No class ranks, but I would guess top 5%.
I took honors classes when I could (math and latin).
APs (none offered until junior year): Bio (4) AB calc (5), BC Calc, Chem, Latin, Independent Study in Physics C mech and E+M.
EC: Debate, Squash, Chess club, track.
Community service during the school year on weekends at local church as a teacher.
Job for my father, he runs a company on the internet.
Honor Roll all years
Hook: Dont think I have one</p>
<p>So based upon my stats, would it be worth it to apply ED to Cornell and forget about MIT if I get in? Even if I like MIT more?</p>
<p>Can you apply EA to MIT and ED to Cornell? I don’t think MIT’s EA is restrictive and Cornell will not forbid you from applying EA.</p>
<p>That is correct, but if I were to get into cornell early I would have to accept and withdraw the MIT application</p>
<p>Obviously. Cornell’s ED is binding. Well, if MIT is your dream school, you should not apply ED anywhere. Only apply ED if Cornell is your #1 choice.</p>
<p>It’s a tough call with those stats. You have to assess your chances at MIT. Your SAT M and SAT II’s are good enough. Do you have Naviance scattergrams to help you assess how you stack up compared to past applicants?</p>
<p>If your chances at MIT were 2/7 and your chances at Cornell were 4/10, and MIT was your first choice and Cornell was your second, the probability of you attending either MIT or Cornell would be 2/7 or roughly 29% each and the probability of you going somewhere else would be 42%. (The chances of going to Cornell would be 5/7 x 4/10=2/7). </p>
<p>If you can crack 700 on the CR then apply EA to MIT. If you can’t, it’s really hard to see what’s going to get you in the face of such fierce competition. Still, it would be hard to give up on a chance for MIT. I will tell you that when I got into MIT many years ago, I thought they made a clerical error. People do get in with long odds. </p>
<p>I think in your situation, I would tell my kids not to apply ED. But I do see the logic in your thinking. </p>
<p>MIT and Cornell are without a doubt the two top engineering schools in the northeast.</p>
<p>Cornell & MIT have comparable Engineering program; both are elite and considered amongst the best in the country.</p>
<p>With your statistics, I’d say it’s wiser to ED to Cornell. You’re Engineering education will be top-notch and you’ll have a better MUCH better chance of admission - not only because of the nature of Cornell admission (higher %; lower standards) but because the ED will provide for a sizeable advantage that could put you over the edge for a definite admission.</p>
<p>MIT is a reach for everyone, regardless of your statistics/ECs. Be honest in your assessment and don’t blow a chance of admission into either of these schools.</p>
<p>IMO, you wouldn’t be accepted to MIT either through EA or RD. You’re a match for Cornell ED, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you got the rejected RD.</p>
<p>Bite the bullet; go Cornell ED.</p>