<p>Junior living in Illinois. Wondering if applying to Cornell ED is a good idea?</p>
<p>South Asian M
GPA: 3.94/4.80
Rank: 2/126
SAT: 2260 (690CR, 800M, 770W)
ACT: 34 (34E, 35M/S, 32R)
SATII: Chem 730, Math Pending</p>
<p>National Merit Commended Scholar
National Honor Society
Math Team (8-man captain)
Science Olympiad
JROTC Battalion Logistics Specialist (my primary extra-c)
Leadership Bowl Team Captain
ACS Chemistry Olympiad
250+ hrs community service
Student Ambassador
Campus Ministry
Big Brother Program
School Literary Fest Winner
Created a website for biology lab practical (apbiodissections.webs.com)</p>
<p>(somebody mentioned listing EVERYTHING)</p>
<p>Is applying to Cornell ED a good idea?</p>
<p>Haha, that was me! 
Well, your ECs seem good, not AMAZING, but very solid. However, you are an ORM, so that will hurt a bit. But then again, nice test scores and raank with good ecs, and possibly good essays, will make you very competative. 
Good luck!</p>
<p>Since you are Asian, you are over represented, which will hurt only a bit.</p>
<p>Actually, it may depend on your financial situation. Early Decision acceptances are notorious for having little to no financial aid, since the applicants who are willing to take ED are saying that they really, really want to attend. I would advise against it, but ultimately, it’s up to yoooouuuu.</p>
<p>“Early Decision acceptances are notorious for having little to no financial aid”</p>
<p>Well, I, for one, haven’t heard this. Schools offer ED because they want to lock-in academically strong students. They can’t do it if they low-ball FA; students then have to decline the offer and apply RD at other schools. FA based on FAFSA/Profile will be the same for ED and RD at a school that meets full need; maybe there’s a difference at gapping schools, IDK.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say little to no financial aid, but there actually is a hint of iffiness with financial aid in the ED/EA.</p>
<p>[Financial</a> Aid and Early Decision - Ask The Dean](<a href=“http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000198.htm]Financial”>http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000198.htm)</p>