SAT: 1550 (Math 800, English 750, Essay 18)
ACT: 34 (Math 36, Science 36, English 35, Reading 30, Essay 10)
Subject SAT: Physics 800
Math 2 800
Chemistry 800
IB: 41/42 Physics HL 7, Chemistry HL 7, Math HL 7, English SL 6, Psychology SL 7, Spanish SL 7
Scored 96.2% in high school and stood first.
Intended Major: Physics
Came in merit list of many national math olympiads and science olympiads.
Member of astronomy club, member of student council, play the flute for 7 years, play basketball for school, won science fair, received national level science fair prize, came 1st in high school, taught at school for underprivileged children, won city level astrophysics competition and many more. (Just what I could remember over the top of my head)
Written a research paper in math in 9th grade.
Cornell ED by far. I am also in IB and I know how hard it is to get 7s in HL P, C, and M. You are also a very strong applicant for SCEA to Pton
Cornell’s ED acceptance rate this past year was 25.6%, while Princeton’s SCEA admit rate was 15.4%.
Also, Princeton’s stats among admits are higher.
So not only do they admit a lower percentage, but those who are admitted are more statistically competitive on average.
Now, individual decisions are made based on specific needs of the school too, and you might be just exactly what Princeton is looking for, while Cornell won’t give you the time of day. That is a possibility. Elite admissions can seem irrational and fickle.
But statistically speaking, and keeping that qualitative stuff equal, you are a good bit more likely to get into Cornell ED than you are to get into Princeton SCEA. The same holds for RD.
As for where and whether you should apply ED or SCEA, I think you should only apply ED to Cornell if it’s your #1 school. There is a bit more wiggle room with SCEA.
There’s a lot to like in both of these schools. Make sure you add some matches and at least one safety to your list: only schools you like and that fit your preferences/interests, and schools you can afford.
@astrofan Of course Cornell by a lot. That said i think it is much better to apply early to your top choice, not where you will have better chances. If you would be happy committing to Cornell early, sure go for it, but make sure you won’t regret it later.