Here’s my problem: I have legacy at Penn and Dartmouth, but liked Brown the best on my visit and in terms of pedagogy (the open curriculum sounds amazing). My school has historically not done so well at Brown, and I would be devastated if I didn’t get into Brown and then didn’t get into either Penn or Dartmouth.As a side note, I liked Penn much better out of those two and would likely want to study some combinations of international relations/economics/foreign language.
I got into the 2300s on the SAT, have perfect grades except in honors/AP science classes, and have plenty of leadership roles in extracurriculars, so my odds aren’t impossible at any of those schools, but I also don’t have anything close to impressive enough to make my odds insanely good.
I guess my question is about whether it’s worth applying to Brown early decision just because I liked it that much more than two schools that have reputations that are just as good, even though I’m throwing away some perfectly good hooks. Also, I know it’s a little early to be making this decision, but it’s been bothering me for a long time and it would just be good to get some opinions that aren’t coming from my friends. Thanks for your help!
I believe Penn gives the most advantage to legacy and it’s only in ED. But, if you have a strong preference for Brown, don’t walk away without great thought. What is your safety and would you be happy there? That matters regardless of where you apply ED>
I don’t have my exact list of colleges yet, but there are definitely other schools I would be happy at. Still, when it comes to Brown, it’s pretty much exactly what I’m looking for in a school. I’m sure I could be reasonably happy at Penn too, which is why I just don’t know what to do.
Tough call. If Brown is your dream school, I’d ED there. Penn is a great school too, but you seem like a highly qualified candidate for other top schools. Agree that you need some likelies and matches where you’d be happy. Lacking those, ED at Penn is a big hook. Just wonder if you’d regret not trying for Brown.
@snowleopard2 Given your interests you should take a look at the Huntsman program at Penn. It is a really unique opportunity and incredibly difficult to get into. It given your super strong stats and your legacy status if you apply ED your chances are huge. People routinely turn down HYPS for Huntsman. That said at this level fit matters more than relative differences in prestige, quality etc given that all options are excellent. If Brown is your first choice then u should apply there ED.