UPenn ED vs. Yale SCEA

I’m a rising senior, so I’ll be applying to colleges shortly. I recently visited Yale and UPenn and fell in love with both. I want to apply to one ED, but I’m having a really hard time deciding between the two. I liked Yale’s campus a little bit more, but liked that UPenn is in the heart of Philly. Yale has a SCEA acceptance rate of about 15% (non-binding), compared to its RD 6%. UPenn has about a 25% ED acceptance rate (binding), compared to its RD 9%. I’m a 3.8 (unweighted), 1400 SAT student from the West Coast.I also have a disability, which gives me diversity. I have a pretty good set of extracurriculars (started a peer health program that has been implemented in my school district, directed multiple successful fundraisers, NHS, steady volunteering, etc.) I plan to start with a Pre-Med track and Social Justice/Entrepnuniership major. I prefer a more liberal, student activist, not highly competitive environment, although I know both schools have a mix of these traits. Any tips on how to choose which to apply to early or insider views about the schools? Thanks!

Those seem like contradictory items for your wish list (at any college).

I know that Pre-Med is highly competitive, I just mean an environment that is competitive in a positive way and encourages success, not a cut throat sense, where students never help each other.

Don’t know if this helps, but Penn filled 54% of their freshman class through their ED round.

Wow! Statistically it seems that I’ll have a better chance getting into Penn. Thanks!

Do you actually like Penn or Yale better?

Only apply to Penn ED if 1) it is your absolute top choice and 2) it appears affordable (run net price calculator) and you have no need to compare financial offers.

I would couch it more like…if you would be equally happy at both schools then apply at the one that gives you a better chance of acceptance.

@bubbabeans the RD acceptance rate at Penn is not 9%, it is around 6%. The overall acceptance rate is 9%. Still it remains that you would prob have a higher chance of acceptance at Penn.

Ultimately, your choice should be based on fit. The schools have distinctly different vibes and cultures. Also keep in mind that double majoring is not as common and as easy at Yale as it is at Penn. On the other hand, Yale probably fits more the bill of a more liberal, student activist campus.

I would go with Yale as I’m not a big fan of ED, it locks in students and their parents and reduces choice and flexibility, all bad things for a customer. Penn’s ED rate was 22% from my research compared to Yale’s 17%, so it’s not a huge difference.