Ok so I’m am trying to figure out what college is best to apply Early Decision/Action. I could either go with the Cornell/Dartmouth route or the Yale route. Cornell and Dartmouth have a 25% acceptance rate, so I imagine it would be easier to get in than Yale’s 17%. Ultimately, I would pick Yale if I could choose, but I would be more than happy to attend the other two colleges. For reference my stats are:
ACT: 34
GPA: 3.77/4.03
Rank: 62/566
EC: They are good, best is probably Boys State or technically starting a business
Awards: Best is either 2nd place $300 for speech competition or award for service from California State Assembly
Hook: URM (Hispanic) and First Generation
Other: From California, Upper Middle Class, Highly Ranked and Competitive Public School
My hooks help me, but my gpa and especially class rank are low. I am just above 10%, and that seems like a major weakness. I don’t really want to know my chances, but is it more worth my time to give my ED/EA application to Yale or should I pick the safer option with Cornell/Dartmouth. Like I said, I would be more than happy to go to any of these schools right now.
Basically, are my stats strong enough to shoot for Yale, or should I stick to my best shot.
@SupremeRussian obviously Dartmouth/Cornell will be easier than Yale both for ED/SCEA and RD (not just based on the admit numbers but the sheer competition you will face from other applicants in terms of how accomplished they are).
Your stats are definitely ok given your URM and First generation status, but there will be many other people with similar or better stats applying. Obviously the Cornell/Dartmouth route is less risky. If you would be perfectly content at Dartmouth/Cornell you might as well take the safer option and go with that, given that you do not have tippy top stats. But just be sure that you will not regret it afterwards. You are still well within the feasible admission range for Yale, especially as a URM and First gen.
Other than your hooks I would say you are a long shot for these schools. The competition is just so intense. Yale SCEA still seems pretty unlikely; but don’t apply ED unless (1) you are 100% committed to the school, and (2) you are confident that the financial aid package won’t be a critical factor.