Early Decision at Two Different Schools?

Applying to College
1

I love two different colleges (Dartmouth and RPI) and have considered doing Early Decision I for Dartmouth and Early Decision II for RPI. I know that Dartmouth would be a conflict if I got in, but I’m concerned if I did I’d be going for the wrong reasons. Let me explain:

Myself:
GPA: 4.1
SAT: 1180 (I’ve tried retaking it and genuinely don’t test well)
AP Classes: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), and Calculus (A)
Extra Curriculars: Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse (Captain in Lacrosse), Math Team (Captain), Volunteer at my Church often, I work at a Summer Camp for Behaviorly Challenged Chirldern and have volunteered there for other events for years.
Home Life: Not great. Dad is gone, Mom works two jobs to send me and my sisters to private school (2 younger sisters on full scholarships, 1 younger sister and I on close to full scholarships so the extra sacrifice is worth it), despite working we getting evicted from our current house (we found another for cheaper rent so we’ll be fine), and the overall situation is messy. I’m the oldest and responsible for taking care of
Other Notes: I’ve won a state wide competition in art, NHS member, I managed to fundraise and go on a trip to do research in the Bahamas.

I want to be a Biochemist. From what I’ve seen when I visted both schools RPI has better research programs and overall fantastic in science. Dartmouth is good too, but I honestly think they excel much more at other subjects and going there for biochemistry would be beneficial for the Dartmouth name rather than preparing for real-life work (I don’t hate the program, it just didn’t seem to compare to RPI’s between visits). However, Dartmouth statistically gives more financial aid than RPI, something which is very important for a family who’s income is $30,000 dollars. Other than that the schools are equal. I love both campuses and both communities and all other aspects that are important when looking at colleges, it’s just the balance between financial aid and research. Early Decision seems right for both of them, especially when Dartmouth is only about 10% acceptance rate. I just don’t know if this is too risky considering they are both binding. This kind of last minute, but does anyone have some advice or opinions?

2

You need to be confident in an ED1 choice, because if you get in, that is where you are going. You will need to withdraw all other applications.

If you get deferred or rejected from your ED1 school, you may apply ED2 somewhere else. Your ED1 agreement no longer will be binding, even if it is a deferral and you are still under consideration. If you then get into the ED2 school, then that is where you are obligated to go, withdrawing all other applications.

Do not submit your ED2 agreement to the second college until you have heard back from the first. You can have all your ED2 essays ready to go and submit the application the next day if you are deferred or rejected from ED1.

3

Ok good to know, when does a someone usually find out if they got into their ED1 school?

4

I’ve heard around Christmas, but is it for all schools?

5

The Ed decision date would be on each university’s website.

6

A few comments;
–The college website should have information on decision dates.
–And I would reconsider applying to Dartmouth as your standardized testing is not competitive for that school.
–Also I would check to see if RPI is test optional (I don’t know
–if you want to compare financial offers from a number of schools then ED may not be the best route.

Good luck!

7

Ok thanks! :slight_smile: