<p>I've narrowed down my choices to Yale or Columbia (I have a 4.0 GPA, take all AP classes, got a 2220 on my SAT, have done a ton of charity work and am an accomplished musician, so I think I have about as good a shot as anyone in this crapshoot) but I honestly can't decide. My parents both want me to apply to Yale, but I'm leaning towards Columbia. I have an interest in studying either history, politics, or maybe psychology (I'm not sure about that either) and I know that I have to be in a city (that's why my choice is between two urban schools), I need to be able to continue to pursue music without majoring/minoring in it (which I can do at both schools). I've visited both schools and honestly feel that I like Columbia more, it just felt right, but I do have some reservations about the school. I don't know how I feel about the core curriculum, (I'm not sure if it will stop me from exploring what I want to major in at all) and I'm not sure about the vibe I get from the student body at either school (I think Yale is too preppy and Columbia is supposedly anti-social). If you've got any input or advice, I'd love to hear it!</p>
<p>Neither. You should apply ED only if you already are completely sure it is your first choice. Obviously, that is not the case.</p>
<p>i know that i’d be happy at either school, I just want to figure out which is the best fit, and if my fears about one or the other are true, then obviously that would help me make a decision</p>
<p>If you are unsure, then probably not a good idea. Here’s some schools where it helps to apply EA though. Yale was on this list in 2009. Find a more updated version to see if that’s at least worth doing. I don’t know if Yale even offers EA anymore.</p>
<p>[Colleges</a> Where Applying Early Action Helps - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/applying/applying-101/articles/2009/09/30/colleges-where-applying-early-action-helps]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/applying/applying-101/articles/2009/09/30/colleges-where-applying-early-action-helps)</p>
<p>You mentioned that you have visited both schools but have you had an opportunity to sit in on a class, talk to a professor, spend the day, etc? I don’t know if Yale or Columbia offer an overnight stay at a dorm with a student but I know my D made her decision after an overnight stay and class visits. It may give you a better insight. Good luck</p>