<p>So I have only one college application left to submit, and it's to Carnegie Mellon University. During the Early Action cycle of applications, and I was excited to find out that I got my acceptance to MIT as well. While MIT is my first choice, CMU is my second choice, so I would still like to submit my application (since you never know what could happen with financial factors).</p>
<p>I was talking to a teacher a few days ago who has been a family friend for many many years. I was telling her my exciting news, and, long story short, she suggested that when I apply to Carnegie Mellon, I should include somehow that I got accepted to MIT. She claims this would make me more valuable to CMU since a competitor has accepted me. However, I know this could be a risk, and I don't want to jeopardize my chances.</p>
<p>If this is a valid strategy, however, what would be the best way to include this information? Would the "additional information" section on the Common App be the best place? </p>
<p>Most people who apply to CMU have also applied to MIT. That’s no secret. Letting them know you’ve been accepted won’t matter to CMU. They won’t care. IMHO.</p>
<p>I recall reading that at the CMU freshman convocation, the president asked people to raise their hands if they were rejected by MIT. Many hands went up. But CMU doesn’t care and is confident they educate great scholars.</p>
<p>Do not do this. Since you applied and were accepted as Early Action, it is very obvious that MIT is/was your first choice. It’s like inviting a girl to the prom and telling her that you are keeping her as back up in case you decide to break up with your girlfriend.</p>
<p>Agree with @KKmama. If you were accepted to MIT, your chances are pretty good at getting into CMU. Let your resume stand for itself. Trying to blackmail the school will only hurt your chances</p>
<p>Thank you everyone! I didn’t think this was a fantastic idea, but I just wasn’t sure if this was actually a legitimate and common idea. I will definitely not include this information in my CMU application. Thanks again!</p>