<p>schlaag</p>
<p>I think your GC’s letter may help – my memory is that admissions officers who post here have said that an explanation of a bad year is exactly the kind of thing they find valuable in a GC letter. I would hope that Brown would recognize that your class rank does not measure your potential, and that there is a good reason for this (i.e., not just slacking off), but honestly I don’t know what Brown would do.</p>
<p>Does it change my thoughts-- honestly no. I personally think your analysis is correct – JHU-ED increases your chances of getting into one of these two schools (but decreases your chances of getting into Brown.</p>
<p>As to advice – first of all your situation is fairly unique. None of us here is really qualified to help you. I think you need to specifically discuss this with your GC.</p>
<p>If you were my child, I’d probably recommend Brown-ED (if you’re positive it’s your first choice) or Neither ED if you’re not sure – but it’s a very hard choice.</p>