<p>So my friend and his brother fit the normal asian mold: High scores, high grades, good musicians. In most respects, they are almost the same. </p>
<p>The main difference is that one of the brothers has extremely prestigious international recognition. The other has no such recognition. </p>
<p>Both of these kids want to apply to the same schools, with the perception that it will improve their chances of admission.</p>
<p>The way I see it, one of the brothers may be very disappointed by the end of the application process. I feel that applying together is a bad idea.</p>
<p>I can’t see how applying together will improve their chances. Do they think that colleges are looking for a package deal? Each application will be reviewed on its own merits. I agree it might be devastating if one is accepted and the other is not.</p>
<p>Besides, I think it will do the non-recognition brother some good to get away from the recognition brother. It’s time for them to separate and start living their own lives. JMHO</p>
<p>I completely agree with both of you. I was friends with two twins who graduated high school last year, and although both were hard-working, involved students, one was clearly of another academic caliber. They both decided to apply to their dream school ED, hoping that the admissions office would take the “package” deal; guess what happened. </p>
<p>Although, yes, this is a bit of a less drastic comparison to your situation, I think the end result speaks for itself.</p>
<p>If one is clearly better than the other, adcoms aren’t going to take the weaker one just because they took the stronger one.</p>
<p>I do agree with LasMa in that it would be good for the brother who doesn’t get much recognition to have a chance to get out of his brother’s shadow.</p>