how does columbia compare to other top ranked schools?

[middsmith]

<p>

That’s the problem with gaming the system. The only variable you can be sure of is your own.

I know I need to be at a good university. My stats put me at the sweet spot for a lot of school in the ED round. My first choice does not offer ED, did not jump on the no-loan band wagon, might reject me in the RD round. I had a few no loan schools to pick from, and I picked the best for me. I don’t think it’s gaming the system. How is this any difference from picking a safety? I want a school I don’t begrudgingly go to in case there is no options.
Then I was deferred. They said the chance of being accepted in the RD round was 10%. Semi-reach suddenly became super reach. I never like to be in a losing battle so I put no further effort into that school at that point. I restarted my app from scratch and luckily I got into a few, even first choice.

Say, middsmith: sorry to hear it wasn’t your first choice. It wasn’t mine either. I wonder, of the people we will meet, how many can honestly say it was their first choice? You’re satisfied, though, aren’t you?

I doubt anyone can say it was their first choice, even the ED kids. I’m satisfied now.

I reject the hypothesis that just because HYPS have the top ratings, that therefore they are automatically, or should be, everyone’s top *choices.

It was such a blanket statement, you think. Of course, only 75% of the students prefer HYPS over another, GIVEN that they have that option. But my point is, you don’t necessarily ED to a school because it was your top choice.</p>