<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>What did you do? Have you applied to both? I have applied to Harvard as an early action applicant and to Columbia as ED applicant. You should have done that! Then, when you get the results, you would know which one to go to. I really hope you did that. You seem like you have a very good chance at both universities. Best of luck.</p>
<p>@LiaMD24 Um…you know you aren’t allowed to do that.</p>
<p>Harvard early action is <em>restrictive</em>, so you are only allowed to apply to Harvard early. Also since Columbia is ED or binding early decision you can only apply to it early. The only exception is sometimes public schools, which neither is.</p>
<p>So the OP was struggling as to which school to apply to early since you can’t do both. As for you, I recommend either staying shush shush about this or contacting Columbia or Harvard to apologize and move to regular decision.</p>
<p>@Regurge01 As for the OP you were in quite the situation. It is a little late for me to say anything, but I hope you followed your heart. </p>
<p>Hope that helps </p>
<p>Edit: WHY WON’T MY EMOJIS WORK, THE STRUGGLE</p>
<p>@LiaMD24: you have made a very grave error and are advising the OP to do the same. You’re in serious jeopardy right now.</p>
<p>Your only solution is to convert either Harvard or Columbia from EA or ED to Regular admissions. You need to do that immediately by telephoning/emailing one of the schools. </p>
<p>What did you think Harvard’s “Restrictive” Early Action meant? </p>
or contacting Columbia or Harvard to apologize and move to regular decision.</p>
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