UPenn or Cornell Early Decision?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I really want to get into Cornell or UPenn. I’m not the strongest candidate, so I feel like I need the advantage that comes with ED.

I have an SAT score of 1450, no subject tests (but they don’t require it for my undergraduate programs I apply to).

  • I’m from Norway, and my Norwegian average is really good.
  • Although I’ve been doing certain sports for many years, I have never competed (at least nothing worth mentioning).
  • I’m a dedicated musician (was accepted into a talent program three years ago).
  • I think I’ll get great recommendation letters from my teachers, and that my essay will be really good.

Do you think I have a chance at UPenn ED, or should I go for Cornell ED, as they have a higher acceptance rate?

Thanks!

2

Getting into UPenn ED is easier than getting into Cornell ED.{from what I’ve heard}{don’t look at the acceptance rate}

3

@Jelloshozz That sounds strange to me, do you know where you heard it / why?

4

@oskar0 from my personal experience I think that its true, one of my friends who had no ECs and average test scores got into UPenn ED but couldn’t get into ANY college RD. Also I read it somewhere on CC. Can’t find the link

5

@Jelloshozz Okay, thanks :slight_smile:

6

You would have a better chance at Cornell. Not only do they have a higher ED acceptance rate, they are also a slightly easier school to get into.

The problem about personal accounts is that you aren’t anyone else. Your stats, essay, and ECs are different than the person mentioned earlier.

Statistically speaking, you have a better chance at Cornell.

7

The anecdote about the one friend should not be a factor in your decision. It has no statistical significance whatsoever not to mention the person did not apply to both Cornell and Penn ED I presume because it us not allowed (and also applying to other schools RD is not allowed unless the person got out of their commitment to Penn).

8

@Multiverse7 he applied to colleges RD because Penn couldn’t meet his financial need.

9

I see. Well, RD rates are much lower at top schools than the overall rate and certainly the ED or SCEA rate so it’s not surprising your friend did not get accepted anywhere RD. It still says nothing about Penn ED being easier than Cornell ED. Most would say the opposite is true but these days gettting in either as an unhooked candidate is tough.

10

@Jpgranier @Multiverse7 @Jelloshozz
I think I do best by going for Cornell ED. On UPenn’s website, they recommend students applying to Wharton to take the Math 2 Subject test. I’m sure this would be great when applying to Cornell also, but Cornell doesn’t explicitly recommend it. Also, I bet Wharton is the hardest undergraduate business school (in the US) to get into, and my stats aren’t the best.Thank you all!