should I apply ED2 or RD? Please reply

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello all, I REALLY appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and responding.. I definitely want to know where I stand..</p>

<p>I want to apply to Carnegie Mellon University under Early Decision 2, since I know it is the school I want to attend; however, my SAT I score is not spectatular. If I apply RD, I can take the SAT in January and get the score I want, and then have it sent in time for the admissions officers to review. Should I stick with the SAT score of 1250 I got, and apply ED, or should I wait?
I am applying to the college of humanities/social sciences for creative writing.</p>

<p>Here are my credentials:
I have a GPA of 3.4 UW. Each year, excluding ninth grade, I have received all As and 1-2 Bs. During ninth grade I faced a personal tragedy which affected me deeply and I struggled to overcome (the topic of my personal statement). That year I earned a horrible 2.4. During tenth and eleventh grade, however, I strived to do better and doubled my courseload in several subjects. Now in my twelvth grade year, I am taking the hardest classes available. I have been told admissions will understand ninth grade. The admission officer who interviewed me at CMU said it was "amazing" that my GPA was still so good, despite that year.</p>

<p>I have a year and a half work experience, 30 hours+ every week, and 44 during the summer. I have held various positions at a grocery store.</p>

<p>My ECs: again, during ninth grade and even in tenth I wasn't too involved with school. However, I have been very involved the past two years.
French Club 9-12, president 12th
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) 11-12
Interact 11-12
National Art Honor Society 12
Youth Education Association 12
Heart to Heart 12
I participate actively in each club, and contribute as much as possible.
Track 12</p>

<p>I have wonderful community service as well:
-Relay for Life Team Co-leader (a group devoted to raising money for cancer victims; we have several banquets which I have helped organize and there are also weekend walks we participate in; we generated an enormous profit last year, and our team was a very influencial beneficent.)
-Junior Diabetes Foundation involvement
-Salvation Army Bell Ringer numerous times
-Fall Food Drive Assistant
-Food Bank Assistant
-Special Olympics involvement
And so on...</p>

<p>The essay is great, and the recommendation letters are very good.</p>

<p>Based on all of this, what should I do? I love CMU and really hope I get accepted; I want them to know they are the university I have my heart set on which is why I definitely should apply ED.. but I do not want to risk the chance of getting rejected because of poor SATI scores.</p>

<p>My SAT II scores are all around 750+.. (Writing, Literature, Math Level IIc)..</p>

<p>Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post, I really appreciate it.</p>

<p>Not to be a pain, but how do my chances look at these other schools (again my heart is set on CMU, but of course I am not just solely applying there)</p>

<p>University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
College of William & Mary
Dartmouth (I know, ivy league! A big reach probably, but if I can get my SATI score up to 1400+, I might have a chance, eh?)
University of Wisconsin-Madison</p>

<p>And that's about it.. ;)</p>

2

<p>First off, let me say good luck, and you seem to have a very good work ethic and drive.</p>

<p>CMU is a great school, and Top 25 admissions is very hard to tell these days. It's a personal decision to apply ED II or RD, but honestly, I doubt that you will go up 150 pts. I know that it is possible, but statistically, you will probably go up 30-50 pts. </p>

<p>So, I think you are making a better decision to apply EDII. You really don't know what you will get on the SAT, and you don't want to place so much pressure on yourself. </p>

<p>Considering what I have heard, ED adds 100pts to your SAT. Maybe this is just rumor, and every school operates differently, but whatever.</p>

<p>So, I think it's better to go ED. Just a personal preference.</p>

3

<p>Take SAT again and apply RD. For darmouth and william & mary you'll have to have a higher sat score. The CMU school you are applying to is easier than the other programs at CMU but a higher SAT will ensure your chances. Keep in mind, your ECs arent spectacular, they are typical of a high school student. I'd say you should try to improve your SAT by 100 points and you'll have a great shot at all the schools. And a tip for UMICH (if you are out of state), send the app asap its rolling admissions and out-of-state is pretty tough. Hope I helped, good luck!</p>

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<p>So none of my credentials even looked good? I thought my ECs, considering how much I work, were more than typical, but I guess you are right. I know I can go up a lot more on the SATI because the first time I took them I had stayed up really late the previous night, it did have an impact on how much I could concentrate and focus.</p>

<p>How would you guys consider the colleges I want to apply to, matches or reaches? I hope they all are not reaches :(</p>

5

<p>bumP......</p>

6

<p>I'd suggest ED II, although it is a personal choice.</p>

<p>Since most applicants get defered to the RD pool, if they have a chance, ED II is a great option for those with an upward grade trend. Plus, in ED rounds, applications often get more attention. My guess is that they'll defer you, unless they consider you unsuited for the school, in which case a 30-50 point raise in SAT won't cure.</p>

<p>Again, I'd suggest using ED II. Admissions officers are less stressed, and take more time with each folder. Since your CMU interviewer was amazed by how you over came adversity, he or she will probably advocate for you during the ED II round. If you wait until RD, I believe that he or she may advocate less because the adcom would need to go over many more applicants in the RD round. More apt to use score as a mark of distinction then, than if you were an early applicant.</p>

<p>Again, just my 2 cents. Good luck. :)</p>

7

<p>you're guessing I'll get deferred? Gee, thanks, I couldn't have asked for a more supportive response, but I guess it is the harsh reality.
Just because my SAT scores aren't as high, I have worked hard, and I wish colleges would recognize that.</p>

8

<p>Being defered is not a bad thing. It means that you are a strong candidate, enough so, that they think you will have a chance in the RD round. The reason I think defer, than accept during ED II is they will probably want the mid-term report. The ED II also lets them know it's your first choice.</p>

<p>I did not mean for you to be discouraged, but at the same time I waht you to have a few backups. Hope this helps. I was defered before being accepted at my ED choice, so I'm confused as to why you would think being defered is a bad thing, especially if your demonstrated commintment will help you in any case.</p>

<p>Have a good one.</p>

9

<p>I'm not sure what I would do in your position... Your ECs are excellent given the amount of time you spend working. Colleges definitely admire that, and thats one thing you certainly have going for you.</p>

<p>If you are absolutely certain that you can increase your SAT score substantially, and by substantially, I mean 100+ points, then I would go RD. Otherwise, stick with ED II. </p>

<p>Thats my take on it, anyway.</p>

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<p>Actually, I just looked at your SAT II scores. Go ED II. If you get deferred, which is a possibility, you'll be able to send them another SAT score i would think.</p>

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<p>Well, let's say I can increase my score to 1450. I know you all think a significant score increase is unlikely, but I have confidence I can do it. How would a 1450 help my chances at C of W&M and at Dartmouth College, besides at CMU? Would I have a really good shot then?</p>

12

<p>Todd:</p>

<p>Yes you would definately be more competative at all your schools. But, again, your upward grade trend is significant, I would argue more important than a set of scores.</p>

13

<p>Try ED II, but sign up for the Jan. SATs anyways...and if you are deferred you will hopefully have a brilliant new score to send them and show them that they need you in their entering class! Also, do the best you can your 1st term of sr. year to send them any new great grades...By the way, I've heard that applying early is almost like adding 100 points to your SAT score, plus your showing them that you love the school....BeSt OF lUCK!</p>