@momrath Okay! Thank you for all of your help!
I have applied to Tulane’s program and all I need to do for WUSTL’s program is write the essay and get my materials together. My physics and English teachers both said they would write letters of recommendation for me. I guess the decisions I have to make are how to write a “500-word essay expressing your interest in the program” well without sounding verbose or repetitive as well as weather it’s better to apply earlier to show interest, or wait until I get my (hopefully better) scores from my SAT this saturday (the 14th, I’m convinced I’ll be lucky because it’s pi day) and hopefully have a better chance at merit aid. I like ND’s program, but I don’t want to pay the $250 cancellation fee, and I think I like the other 2 a little better.