<p>This is my first post and I apologize in advance if it sounds presumptuous or entitled.</p>
<p>My father graduated from Columbia and I've been told that by applying ED as a legacy, my chances for admission would be significantly enhanced. My problem is that after researching and visiting both Harvard and Columbia, I've developed a strong preference for Harvard (to my dad's chagrin). Based on high test scores and a stellar academic record and ECs (I'll spare everyone my litany of achievements), I believe I have a shot (at least 5%!) of getting into Harvard. My chances at Columbia would presumably be better; I've been told Columbia looks quite favorably on qualified legacies, admitting upwards of 50%.</p>
<p>So, if I apply early to Columbia (which is binding) I may always, at some level, regret that I didn't at least try for Harvard. On the other hand, if I squander my opportunity to apply early to Columbia and apply EA to Harvard, I might ultimately get rejected by both schools (I do recognize there is no guarantee I'll get into Columbia even if I apply ED). Because the odds for getting into either of these schools is so astronomically low, wouldn't it be prudent to use any advantage I have and apply ED to Columbia? I almost wish I didn't love Harvard so much...</p>
<p>Any insights?</p>
you still won’t have a huge chance at either Harvard or Columbia, but you WILL have a great chance of getting into an excellent school filled with wonderful students. (So the addendum to this is, don’t get <em>too</em> hung up on ivy league, but of course give it your best try.)</p>