RD, SCEA dilemma

<p>I'm considering Stanford and Cornell--I belive that I'll be very happy at either institution, but Stanford has an edge in reputation.</p>

<p>I cannot however apply to Stanford SCEA because I have to take the subject tests in November--while Stanford suggests one to apply RD in such case.</p>

<p>So I'm not sure if I should apply Cornell ED, which significantly raises my chance of getting in--for Cornell accepts November scores for ED consideration.</p>

<p>And also, I will be applying for financial aid, as my family of four has a very low income of <30,000/year.</p>

<p>So I'm here to ask you for advice on what to do--Cornell ED, or RD both?</p>

<p>Here is my stat:</p>

<p>Asian, Male
SAT: 2300 (800 M, 750 W, 750 CR)
SAT II: 780 Biology M, 800 Math IIC, 800 Korean (I'm a native speaker)
GPA: 3.81 UW (9-12)
3.89 (I calculated the "Stanford" way, unweighted, and not counting freshman year.)
Rank: Top 3%</p>

<p>Extra Curr:
Yearbook Staff (11,12)
Yearbook Editor (12)
Church band drummer (10,11,12)
Youth Leader at my church (11,12)
Sunday School teacher (11,12)
SSC (Students Serving Community) Secretary(11) President (12)</p>

<p>Community Service:
Countless hours from church
~200 hours at a local hospital</p>

<p>Work Experience:
Part-time tutor (10,11,12)
Activities Director at a local childcare/educational institution (this summer)</p>

<p>Awards:<br>
Sadly, none.</p>

<p>Recs:
Teacher: Assuming great.
Counselor: great</p>

<p>Oh, I forgot to point out that I actually got a very low score on SAT II Chem (500's), which I'm sure I can get an 800 if i retake it during November.</p>

<p>I've got the same situation with Penn and Yale (which I love equally, too)</p>

<p>It seems logical to apply EA to Yale and RD to Penn, but I'm afaird I'd get rejected from both. (Wheras my chances improve GREATLY at Penn by applying ED)</p>

<p>I too have the same problem with Stanford and Cornell</p>

<p>Can't decide whether to go the safe way with ED Cornell(which I love)</p>

<p>Or be more risky with SCEA Stanford(great school, also I get to be in a totally different environment)</p>

<p>I'm a NY resident, so Cornell is much closer, and 10,000 cheaper. However Stanford might be a better deal after fin aid, who knows</p>

<p>Oh well, 1 more month to decide</p>

<p>As for you, you better be careful with ED, thats all I have to say. Hesistation is usually a bad sign for applying ED</p>