Should I apply Early Decision?

Applying to College
1

My top choice school is between Rice and Carleton, but I most likely(99% certain) will not get into Rice, but I may have a shot at Carleton if I apply Early Decision.

I would choose Carleton over any other school I applied to, even more selective ones like Dartmouth, Middlebury, etc, but probably not Rice(too late to apply ED to Rice). If I applied ED, I would get my decision in February, which would give me time to apply to back-up schools with rolling admissions if I was rejected. If I apply RD, I won’t hear back until April and my chances are reduced, especially since they’re not need-blind.

I love literally everything about Carleton except the weather. I had an interview and it went well and really confirmed my interest. They also have a partnership with a scholarship organization in which they would guarantee to match a $22k scholarship I received(which would make it $44k) and meet 100% of need.

However, I think the curiosity would kill me. The thought of never knowing what other schools I got into, if any. I feel like this is a silly reason not to apply Early Decision, but what if I did get into Rice or Dartmouth or Skidmore or Grinnell or St Olaf? I know I would still choose Carleton, but…the curiosity.

Also, all of the administrators (teachers, counselor, vice principals, advisor, and principal) are extremely excited to hear back from Rice. (They haven’t heard of Carleton) When I have a conversation with them they bring up Rice and ask if I’d heard back yet and emphasize how much I’ll love it there.

I know this sounds silly but I wouldn’t want to let them down by telling them(if accepted ED at Carleton) that I’m withdrawing my Rice application.

But after learning everything about Carleton from their interdisciplinary education(class on Art and Robotics sounds amazing) to collaborative environment to quirky traditions and student body, I know that I would absolutely love to attend. (Also, they have more music opportunities for non-majors than does Rice, and no graduate students so possibly more research opportunities).

What should I do? Should I apply ED?

2

If Carleton is your first realistic choice and you think that you are at a point where you may need the advantage of ED to get accepted, then go for it. imo “curiosity” is not a justifiable reason to risk not going to your dream school. These are the next four years of your life at stake, not just the next couple months. It might be a disappointment to the faculty if you withdraw your Rice application, but think of how much worse it would be getting into neither Rice or Carleton. It sounds as though you have found your “fit”…don’t sacrifice it for a chance at prestige.

3

Welcome to your first lesson in not living your life and making decisions based on the approval of other people. Cout that double when they are not your family, paying for your college or going to care much where you went to school once your graduate college, much less high school.

Carlton gets plenty of accolades, I’m sure you can google. One kid at my daughter’s school when there instead of Harvard.

4

Carleton is a very strong college. In future, some people when they learn you’ve gone there will be impressed and some will say “Carl who”? If you need the ED advantage and you know it’s a good fit don’t hesitate. D applied REA Stanford when perhaps ED Brown would have been a better use of the “early advantage.” Good luck!

5

Apply ED to Carleton. Collecting bouquets of acceptances is immature in order to…what? Impress people? Make you feel good about yourself? Why give up the advantage that comes with an ED application, for that? And who cares if your teachers haven’t heard of Carleton. All the reputable graduate schools have. The only reason I’d hesitate is if you are planning to live/work in Texas where the alum network might be especially helpful. Or the weather really gets to you (Some people find the early dark and cold hard to live with, especially if they are coming from somewhere with a warm climate).

6

Don’t get into that “grass is always greener” trap this early. And Carleton is no slam dunk for admission. Are you taking a gap year? What will you do during that time?

7

Also if you were to get into Carleton then I’m fairly certain you would get into st Olaf and grinnell! Also Carleton is a great school and is almost comparable to rice. Apply ED There you’ll def have an advantage and everyone who needs to have heard about it will.