<p>The deadlines for college apps are coming on January 1st, and I am trying to make a decision whether to apply ED2 to a top LAC which I have a legacy too or to go RD. My GPA is a bit low compared to other acceptees but I have a substantially higher SAT score than most of the other applicants and its about 60-70 points higher than the school V+M average. But I don't believe in guarantees, and I think an ED2 would help my chances (though I can't say how much). I really liked the school, but I am also interested in some other places I think I would have a shot at and I am not sure whether or not I want to enter a binding committment. The best case scenario would be I get accepted RD, as well as some other schools I'm interested in. The worst case scenario would be I don't get in RD, and I don't get in to the other schools either. I'm stuck! Has anyone been in the same position?</p>
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I really liked the school, but I am also interested in some other places I think I would have a shot at and I am not sure whether or not I want to enter a binding committment.
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Go RD. No question about it. You sound like a strong candidate for RD, and any advantage, slight or not, in applying ED would simply not be worth it.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how big an advantages is for ED? I've heard some schools say you gain nothing from a legacy unless you apply ED...in case you're wondering, the school in question is Middlebury if that helps you with any advice. I love the school, but I'd like to keep my options open...it'd be nice to have a choice.</p>
<p>If you have any doubt...go RD. That said, you probably shouldn't place much stock in anything Middlebury publishes as an average SAT score. remember, because of their weird testing options, a significant number of the people included in its 1349 average were admitted with the college not having even seen their SAT I score. Somewhere I saw 1460 published as the mean for class of 2009 matriculants who sent their SAT I score. Not sure if thats a credible number though...</p>
<p>Me2 is exactly right. Middlebury's averages now include SAT I test scores for applicants who did not submit them for evaluation. So the average scores for those who actually submit SAT I scores are higher than the total for all applicants. The median SAT I verbal score for those students who submitted them for evaluation was 720 and the median math SAT I score was 720 for the class of 2008.</p>
<p>If you're submitting SAT I scores to fulfill your standardized test requirements (and not ACT, AP, or SAT II scores), then you should know that the median math + verbal scores for those who submit is closer to 1460 (or 2190 under the new SAT I).</p>
<p>If I don't apply ED2, do you think I'll lose some of the advantage of being a legacy student? The 1460/2190 Is a little disconcerting... I'm about 40 Points higher than the V+M, but only 20 then the real thing...any ideas?</p>
<p>Bottom line: if you have to ask, you shouldn't be applying early decision. ED is for students who clearly have made the decision that Middlebury is their top choice. That group doesn't include you. Your legacy status won't be greatly impacted by the timing of your application.</p>
<p>Yeah ED is for committed students but that being said you are not a lock in the RD if your test scores are what you say. ED would help you get in but if you don't know that Middlebury is for you, don't do it. Otherwise, I would. There are so many great schools out there that if you can increase your chances at one by going ED then do it.</p>