So I’m a big fan of Penn. I specifically like one of the dual-degree programs, but I’ve heard it’s extremely hard to get in. Regardless, though, I am debating between ED’ing Penn, or RD’ing to give myself the chance to get a full-tuition merit-based scholarship to Vanderbilt, or to maybe get into Stanford. Stats aside, what should I do? I would rather take the full-tuition to Vanderbilt or (I think) go to Stanford (not sure about Stanford vs. Penn, but I’m certain I’d want full-tuition to Vanderbilt over going to Penn). I think I have a quite good chance at Penn ED (if not for the dual-degree program, at least for the single-school choice). I also think I have a pretty good shot at Penn RD, but I’m of course less confident. So, if I applied ED, I am pretty confident I’d get in, but that would mean losing a chance to see what Vanderbilt and Stanford say. But if I applied RD, I wouldn’t have as good of a chance at getting into Penn. Any full-tuition scholarship at Vanderbilt is extremely difficult to get, and obviously admission to Stanford is extremely difficult to get as well. I’m just worried that if I applied RD to Penn, I’d perhaps get denied, not get a merit-scholarship from Vanderbilt, and not get into Stanford, forcing me to go to a school that I’m not a huge fan of. So what do you think? Should I apply ED to Penn, saying goodbye to Vandy and Stanford, or should I take a risk and apply RD to Penn, potentially forcing me to go to a school that I don’t love?
ED is binding. If you have dilemma. Do not do ED. If you think that you have good shot at the full ride to Vandy, or Stanford. You should have good chance RDing to Penn as well.
To be very honest with you, unless you have a Stanford “hook”, I would not expend my EA / ED bullet on them. Penn and especially Vanderbilt seem to be more receptive to the ED student. If Vandy does not preclude you from scholarships if you apply RD, send your app to them RD, early if need be, and use your ED bullet at Penn which you seem to sort of prefer anyway. Good luck to you.
I hope this does add to your confusion. Penn’s financial aid is a grant not a loan. You graduate debt free when you get financial help from Penn.