<p>So I am seriously deciding between Cornell and University of Pennsylvania for ED. My stats aren't great. My Act scores are 31 and 33. My SAT is 2010 =/. Math 2 is 750 Chem SAT 760. So I really love both schools. But I like Penn a little more because of its one university policy which will hopefully allow me to take classes at different colleges within Upenn. The dilemma is though since Penn requires all my scores should I still apply to Upenn since I have to show my Sat? Should I apply to Cornell with only my act scores? Or do you suggest applying to both schools showing all my testing history since i have somewhat decent subject tests scores?</p>
<p>Putting aside any questions concerning your standardized test results, do you really feel a week is adequate to consider and to write highly articulate and credible essays, especially when many other Cornell and Penn ED applicants have likely already invested dozens (possibly hundreds) of hours in theirs? Perhaps this isn’t applicable, but I suggest the real risk in a hasty ED application is denial – not deferral – which would mean you could not submit a more thoughtful and thoroughly developed RD application to the ED Ivy. </p>
<p>If you do not have a clear first choice, do not apply to either ED. ED is for those who know, without a doubt, that this is their first choice school. The alleged “bump” for admissions that you get is not worth it if you don’t have a clear choice (and may be due to the enthusiasm shown in the applications of those who do).</p>
<p>Do you have strong ECs, in particular demonstrating leadership skills, or exceptional music/theater/athletic skills? Are you a legacy to either Penn or Cornell. If so then your chances for admissions are much improved. Test scores are only one metric.</p>
<p>The “bump” for admissions as an ED candidate to Penn compared to a RD candidate is considerable. The RD acceptance rate to Penn in about 7%. It’s hard to second guess how Penn will interpret your 2010 SAT or your 31 ACT (which is not far off from the 2010 SAT). Both these scores are significantly below the median of accepted students. Hopefully they will just look at the highest of the three (the 33 ACT). No one here can read the mind of an admissions officer.</p>
<p>Cornell and Penn are very different universities. Will you be happy at Cornell, should you get in? This not because of the “value” of the “One Penn” approach to course selection but because you will thrive at Cornell. Keep in mind that with the major requirements and the sector requirements at Penn there is a relatively low limit on the number of courses that you can take outside of your major. Although I haven’t studied the Cornell rules on course selection my sense is that unless your major is unique to one of the two universities that you’ll be able to take an equivalent blend of courses at either.</p>
<p>Is there an admissions advantage to applying ED? Generally, yes; colleges are usually a little more willing to “take a chance” on someone when they know the admission is binding on the applicant. This is partly because it increases yield, partly because it reduces their workload, and partly because the nature of binding ED means the applicant is more likely to be confident that <em>this</em> is the school he’d be happiest at. They know he’s eager and excited about the school. Enthusiasm is part of the ED structure.</p>
<p>Is the advantage significant? NO. The threshold for an admission offer may be a little lower, but if an applicant has not clearly reached the threshold, he will simply be deferred to the RD pool. ED applicants as a group tend to either special admits like recruited athletes or students who are supremely confident both in their choice and the quality of their existing credentials. They tend to have higher grades, higher test scores, and fuller resumes than the RD pool average.</p>
<p>The information you really want, unfortunately, is not available. Only for applicants with your academic index (grades and test scores), what portion are admitted when they apply ED, what portion are admitted when deferred from ED to RD, and what portion are admitted when originally applying RD?</p>
<p>In any case, I concur with @TopTier and @Chedva . Don’t apply ED hastily, don’t apply ED if you don’t have a clear first choice.</p>
<p>Actually guys I really like Penn. If i got into it , I would absolutely be content. However, considering my chances I wouldn’t really mind going to Cornell because it has a higher chance. I visited cornell’s campus and I can see myself in there too.</p>
<p>And I really don’t have any amazing EC’s like any awards or president/captain positions. I do have my common app essay written I think I can write a very well written essay in a week’s time including the researching part. </p>
<p>It also depends what you want to major in when you go to college. Do you want to be an entrepreneur? Then apply ED to Penn. Do you want to be a veterinarian? Apply to Cornell. Think about what school has the best program for your major. </p>
<p>If I was you, I would apply to Penn. You have the option to explore the city of Philadelphia at Penn rather than being in a small town like at Cornell (if that’s an issue for you). And unlike Cornell, you have the option to take classes at all of Penn’s 4 schools. If I’m correct, Cornell is a little strict about that. Do you like flexibility? I sure do, which is why Cornell is not my personal top choice.</p>
<p>Penn seems really lively and fun, in my opinion. </p>
<p>And also, I’ve read some CC users say that they only sent in their ACT scores to Penn, which you may be able to do too. I think that’s breaking the rules, but the university doesn’t really have a way to check, so it may be in your favor.</p>
<p>@ilovethecity: You may want to check a few facts:
Penn’s veterinary program (obviously, postgraduate) is generally viewed as America’s best, even better than Cornell’s (which is excellent).
Re ACT results to Penn: By your own words, you’ve recommended knowingly violating Penn’s admissions policies. That’s clearly academic dishonesty, which potentially could have seriously adverse implications not only for the applicant, but also for his secondary school. It’s a truly BAD idea. Moreover, your statement (“but the university doesn’t really have a way to check, so it may be in your favor”) is not only blatantly unscrupulous, it is also possibly untrue. Specifically, some secondary schools post SAT and ACT scores on transcripts. If @candy54321 's does, Penn’s admissions officers would likely note that his SAT results had not be provided, in contravention of their instructions.</p>
<p>@ilovethecity, I understand that you are young and not too experienced; however, it’s time for you to consider if apparently routine “unethical shortcuts” are either wise or moral. </p>