UChicagoHopefull

So my top three choices are UChicago, Columbia and WashU and I have no idea which school to apply early to. I think that I have the best shot at WashU early but I also really like UChicago and Columbia. All of the schools seem to have equally amazing academics but very different campus feels- UChicago is nerdier and more intellectuall, WashU is much less intellectual and has a friendly midwestern vibe, and Columbia has more rich and snobby kids but has plenty of nice people as well. In terms of campuses I think that Chicago has the nicest, followed by WashU and then Columbia. Based on the stats below which school/schools do I have the best chance at getting into early. If you think I will have a really hard time getting into all of these schools would you mind listing some reaches and matches that would be more realistic for me?

GPA: 3.6 (Unweighted)
SAT: 2230 (740 CR, 690 M, 800 W,)
SAT IIs: 730 Bio, 720 Lit.
APs: US History-5, English-4

Extra Curriculars: Model UN
Copy Editor of school newspaper
300 volunteer hours
Varsity Baseball
Key Club
Varsity Soccer

Additional Info; I'm retaking my SATs in October and I will be taking three AP classes this year (my school only offers three for seniors). I have taken the most challenging courses at my school. Thanks for reading this and please be honest about my chances and dont worry about hurting my feelings.

tk21769

All three are reaches (for you and just about everyone else). Your GPA is a little low for these schools, unless you go to a very competitive HS and take unusually demanding courses.

Chicago has RD and non-binding EA. Columbia and WUSTL have RD and binding ED. If you aren't sure which one is your clear first choice (or if you need to compare aid offers) then Chicago's EA option might be best. It offers more flexibility. When their decision arrives, if it does not fall your way then you'll still have time to apply to less selective schools.

Of course, you have many less selective alternatives. You haven't indicated what you're really looking for, but if these 3 are indicative then it seems you'd prefer a private, urban research university. Less selective alternatives might include USC, NYU, UMiami, GW, American, BU, Tulane, CMU. If you want the small classes offered by Chicago and Columbia, then consider a liberal arts college. Urban/suburban LACs that are a bit less selective include Macalester and Bryn Mawr (women only) or Barnard (women only). If you want a LAC with Chicago's nerdy intellectual atmosphere, check out Reed College.

What about costs? All of the above are expensive. Can you afford your EFC? If not, then consider in-state public schools or colleges with guaranteed merit scholarships for your stats.

barrk123

Another LAC: Swarthmore

M's Mom

In terms of choosing between them, is there a part of the country you are keen to explore? Is there a professional objective that would be better served by locating yourself in one place vs. another for internships and alum network? Is there a subject area that you see yourself majoring in that is particularly strong at one school vs. another? Are the ECs you plan to participate in all equally available? Is weather not a factor at all in how comfortable you will be? Does the very urban locations of Columbia and Chicago vs. the more suburban location of Wash U not matter to you? No significantly different financial impact?

As you know, these schools are not the same - they have different strengths and weaknesses, different vibes. If none of the factors that differentiates them matters to you, then I agree with TK that Chicago's non-binding EA gives you more flexibility.