<p>I think it’s hard for some of us to understand what is the common thread that causes you to choose Chicago, Brown, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, and Harvard, yet pass up many slightly less selective schools with similar characteristics (and better programs in BME). What is it about the Columbia and Harvard pair that sets it apart from any other schools? You say you looked past the prestige at things like campus life, housing, sense of security, flexibility, and visits into account. Based on those factors, it’s a little baffling why Chicago would make the cut but not Penn, which has a more flexible curriculum, is probably no less secure than Chicago, and has a stronger BME program than any school on your list.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is any logic or evidence that will cut the Columbia RD/ED v. Harvard SCEA/RD knot for you. No combination of choices will make it very likely you’ll be admitted to at least one of them. Early admit rates for these schools (as well as Yale, Princeton, Brown, and Chicago) are in the 10%-20% range. It’s hard to say what YOUR odds might be, but if you’re not a “hooked” applicant, I suppose it would be at the lower end of that range. Your stats are very good, but without compelling ECs you’re just about an average applicant to these places. It’s probably your essays, LORs, etc, that would make a more significant difference.</p>
<p>Having said all that, if you’d be nearly as happy at VT or UVa as at anywhere else, then I think your list is not bad. I’m guessing you’ll be admitted to Pitt, VT, UVa, with maybe 1 admit or WL from the rest (probably Brown or Chicago… but maybe a surprise from the others as well.) If cost is not a factor, and you really don’t care that much about BME, that would be a pretty good outcome. So flip a coin on the ED/SCEA decision, then move on.</p>