Need help with ED 2!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
1

<p>I need to make a decision for Early Decision Round 2; right now it's between Hamilton and Tufts. I would probably get into Hamilton Early Decision because my scores and stats are above average for them, but I also love Tufts. I could take a chance and apply early to Tufts, or play it safe and apply to Hamilton. If I was rejected from Tufts, I wouldn't have as good a chance to get into Hamilton Regular Decision and I wouldn't want to lose out on both schools! What should I do!? I will post a brief summary of my stats below; tell me if you think I have a good chance getting into Tufts, or if I should just go with Hamilton.
Thanks!</p>

<p>SAT: 2010 (not so good)
SAT 2: 680 on Bio, 690 on Literature
Rank: 30/486
GPA: 4.52 (my school weighs GPA weird)
New Jersey Resident
White</p>

<p>Classes: Took all the highest level classes my school offered. 1 AP sophomore year, 3 junior year, 4 senior year, lots of high honors classes. No AP math classes however.</p>

<p>Extra-Curriculars:
Varsity Track, Indoor and Outdoor, 4 years
Co President Fair Trade Club
Worked at a Fair Trade store and restaurant in my town
Key Club/Community Service Club
Played piano for 10 years
Went to a university in Costa Rica to study Spanish over the summer
Community Service in Panama over the summer.
Organized Parkinson's Unity Walk for 3 years
Played soccer freshman year (won most improved award)</p>

<p>Awards:
Spanish Honor Society
National Honor Society
Service Award
AP Scholar Award</p>

<p>Teacher Recommendations:
1st Teacher: Highly recommend (loved his class)
2nd Teacher: Highly recommend (known for writing great recommendations)
3rd Teacher: Highly recommend (sophomore year teacher, had a great relationship with)
Guidance Counselor: highly recommend</p>

<p>Essay:
Common App- Very good. I am a very strong writer.
Supplement- Haven't written them yet, but I am a very good writer and will likely help my application</p>

<p>Credits:
4's on the AP Language and Composition and AP History Test
Transfer credits from college courses taken in Costa Rica (Universidad Latina)</p>

2

<p>Apply to both regular decision. If you can’t decide between them now, it’s probably not best to make a binding decision on either.</p>

3

<p>TuftsStudent, do you know if applying ED2 actually gives you a better shot at getting in as opposed to RD?</p>

4

<p>The admissions people at tufts said that ED is not an advantage - you would get the same answer RD only with ED you find out sooner (and of course it is binding)</p>

5

<p>i agree. dont apply to either ED. it doesn’t give you that much of an advantage that you should give up something</p>

6

<p>Tufts is a reach, but that doesn’t mean it’s beyond your reach.
Tough call.
What does your gut tell you?</p>

7

<p>Don’t do a “strategic” early decision. It’s all up to the admissions officers, and the applicant by crafting an interesting application. Don’t rely on your numbers/stats when determining if you’re fit for a school. Rely on yourself, a person, and the campus.</p>