Should I apply ED to Bowdoin?

Applying to College
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<p>While I have many colleges on my list, I have three top choices that I think I can get into:</p>

<p>Bowdoin
U Chicago (fair chance of getting into)
Bryn Mawr/Haverford (VERY good chance of getting into Bryn Mawr)</p>

<p>I am looking to double major in religious studies and either bio, environmental sciences, or English (probably not English). I picked my top three schools because of their strengths in the departments I'm interested in.</p>

<p>I am sort of scared because a college chances website says I have about a 27% chance of getting into Bowdoin RD. I really like Bowdon's religious studies and environmental program. I also like their study abroad options. It's a great school that is given high ratings in almost every aspect of academic and residential life. </p>

<p>Should I apply ED to Bowdoin? Do I have a shot of getting into Bowdoin RD?</p>

<p>My stats and EVERYTHING about me are listed in this post: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1199228-good-schools-smart-girl-looking-major-religion-bio-english.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1199228-good-schools-smart-girl-looking-major-religion-bio-english.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Please help! I need opinions.</p>

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<p>Unless you’re <em>sure</em> you want to go to Bowdoin, I don’t think you should apply there ED. From a friend who has been involved in admission, you don’t really raise your chance of getting in that much by applying early decision. It is true that the acceptance rate is higher, but at least part of that is because candidates with stronger credentials tend to apply ED.</p>

<p>I think it’s really important to visit the schools before you make a decision. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>How is your weighted GPA more than 1.0 higher than your unweighted? Anyway, I’m not entirely sure I would recommend EDing Bryn Mawr unless you’re sure you’d like the environment. One of my friends loved it there, an acquaintance did not. Don’t know enough about the others to comment.</p>

<p>Also, although you say money is not an issue I would keep in mind your parents will be shelling out north of $300k (including living expenses) for you to enjoy yourself. No matter how well off they are (ok, unless their NW is >$10m), that is a substantial strain and something you should take into account when choosing your studies. I’m not saying to forgo your interests, far from it. But all too often I’ve seen classmates go astray because they have no skin in the game.</p>