<p>Ahhhhh! I have no idea whether to apply early decision or not. If I do, it will either be to Brown or Duke. My scores are in the 75th percentile for both schools. The problem is that I am naturally extremely indecisive when presented with choices. I have a natural fear of making the wrong decision and having to live with it. </p>
<p>I would like to weigh all my options; however, I have a much greater chance of being accepted to Duke ED rather than RD. Duke is perfect for me academically; it has everything I want. I'm just unsure, since I've heard it is quite preppy and cliquish. No doubt though, I'm sure all private schools will bleed that persona. BUT still. I would like someone else's input on this. Should I apply ED? Will it actually improve my chances of acceptance at all? Any discussion would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Have you run the Net Price Calculators at both websites? If so, have your parents told you that they are indeed ready, willing, and able to pay what those calculators indicated they will be expected to pay? If so, and you do like Duke, well go ahead and apply.</p>
<p>If money is an issue at all, then wait and apply everywhere RD so that you can compare the aid packages in the spring.</p>
<p>@whaletail: As you’re aware, you didn’t provide very much information (which is fine). I am NOT trying to discourage you – not at all – but I hope you understand that: (a) you’ve indicated that your standardized test scores approximate Duke’s 75 percentile, but (b) in aggregate, Duke accepted 10.8 percent of its applicant’s last year. With that said, in general ED provides the best opportunity for admission. Please be certain, however, that you are completely ready – including finances – to attend Duke, if accepted. </p>
<p>If it looks like Duke or Brqwn are both possible financially, that you have discussed this with your parents, then go on ahead and apply ED to either of them if you feel that you could have no regrets committing to go there. Though ED is supposed to be for those who are certain a given school is the first choice, it often comes down to the student being happy going there. Yes, your chances would be better most of the time under ED. </p>
<p>What makes you think that there is a wrong decision. If you use the best information that you have at the time, and make the decision, it’s right by definition. </p>
<p>It might not work out the way you want, but it is the right decision. </p>
<p>As much as students seem to want to avoid “preppy”, for reasons I can’t quite fathom, no one has ever reported on CC that I’m aware of a campus of any consequence that is 100% preppy. And since you’re sure the all private schools bleed that persona, you have two choices - accept it or go to a public school, yet I don’t see a public school on your list. So suck it up and apply ED to Duke. It’s relatively easy to transfer to the Big State U of your choice if you hate it.</p>
<p>^ ^ ^ ^
Also, and in support of MrMom, “peppiness” is not exclusive to private institutions. For example, UVa, which I hold in very high esteem, certainly has a fair share of “preppies,” and it’s a “state flagship” public university. </p>