I wasn’t aware that RPI was 70% male. I think I would rather go to community college for 1 year and then transfer to a UC(if I have no other options) as a junior compared to going to ASU for 4 years.
I did fill out LOCI’s to Michigan and Purdue as well as the Deferral form for USC. I also filled out the waitlist form for UMass (I put both Fall and Spring, so hopefully that increases my chances as I don’t think they accept a LOCI).
I am pretty confident that my LOR’s are strong as I had a close relationship with both of the teachers who I asked.
With regards to the essays, my common app personal statement wasn’t about anything controversial and I was specific with the why us essays, including professors/labs I would want to do research with and classes I would like to take.
In terms of RD acceptance rates for schools that offer EA and ED, how much do you think that decreases my chances? I don’t believe I fit the institutional priorities for any of these schools (not entirely sure what that means), but doesn’t it depend on how many students accept their offers from the EA rounds? I am showing demonstrated interest as well by attending virtual sessions and I also visited SCU’s campus.