<p>So basically I feel as though I very much want to go to either UC-Berkeley or Cornell university but the only reason im greatly leaning towards cornell is because it has an early decision option. And i feel as though my chances to get into cornell will be much better if i apply early. This is based on statistics and experience with friends and people from my school. However, i feel as though i would be happier at berkeley and im afraid that i will regret it if i dont give myself an option to go there. However i am not confident enough in my ability to be accepted to berkeley to not do cornell early. Does anyone have any words of wisdom??</p>
<p>If you like Cal better than Cornell DO NOT apply to Cornell ED.</p>
<p>Cornell ED is not necessarily easier to get into than Berkeley (though at each school, selectivity depends on which division you apply to). And if Cornell is not your first choice, or you want to be able to compare its financial aid offer to that of other schools (Berkeley or otherwise), then it is not appropriate to apply ED there.</p>
<p>Are you in-state for either school? (Cornell has some programs where this is relevant.)</p>
<p>No im not in state for either schools. I live on the east coast. I know that cornell ED is not easier to get into than Berkeley. thats not my concern. my problem is that I am pretty certain that I wont be able to get into cornell without applying ED. And also that if I dont apply ED then it will be a waste because I may not get into Berkeley</p>
<p>financial aid is also not really a concern. Also im sorry im not giving a lot of information I dont like to post my stats on here and have everybody judge whether or not I will get in because nobody really knows. I know my scores are more than good enough and my grades are lacking. I also know I do a lot of impressive extra curricular stuff and I have internships etc.</p>
<p>Berkeley admissions emphasizes grades over test scores.</p>
<p>Darn. Well thats really good to know</p>
<p>“Also im sorry im not giving a lot of information I dont like to post my stats on here and have everybody judge whether or not I will get in because nobody really knows.”</p>
<p>Although I agree to some degree, but as a rising senior, you probably know much less than some of the experienced CCers (like ucbalumnus). If your grades are “lacking” you should realize that both Berkeley and Cornell are likely to be reaches. I’m a bit confused by your thought process though… You said you would rather go to berkeley than cornell, but you want to apply ED because you don’t want to waste the opportunity? I don’t understand this logic. I would venture to say that of those students who applied to Cornell ED and Berkeley, if they were admitted to Cornell, they were also fairly likely to be admitted to Berkeley. </p>
<p>Early Decision is used for a student who is very confident in their first choice. Not for a second choice. Don’t think a student who has no chance at regular admission is automatically accepted by ED. ED admits would still be competitive RD applicants. “but the only reason im greatly leaning towards cornell is because it has an early decision option.” Honestly this is possibly one of the silliest reasons to apply ED to a school. </p>
<p>What about other schools? Don’t get me wrong, Berkeley and Cornell are excellent options. Admissions are difficult for both schools. Do you have a few safeties/matches? I think you really need to reconsider why you are applying to your schools. A university offering ED should not determine whether or not you apply.</p>
<p>ok ok i think people are getting a little too worked up over my wording. I am very much in love with cornell. i visited a few months ago and fell head over heels for the school. if i were to go there it would be amazing and id have a great time. I havent visited berkeley…at this point I am only speculating that I MIGHT like it more. I know I would be very happy going to either school so to apply ED to cornell is not a huge deal for me. I also know that both schools are a bit of a stretch for me but not to the extent that maybe I have led you all to believe. My grades arent bad they are just not up to par with the average of the school</p>
<p>If your grades are not as good as those schools typically like, then you better not get your hopes up too high.</p>
<p>Of course, you need to have safeties that you are certain to be admitted to, certain that you can afford, and which you like.</p>
<p>I do have safeties. And my hopes arent that high. Thats not what Im discussing right now. But thanks everyone i have all the info i need</p>