Here are the 8 undergrad computer science schools I’m applying to.
Which one should I apply to ED? Should I even bother with Columbia? its ranked the same as UMD lol/
If you are not sure of a clear top choice where you would not need to compare financial aid and scholarships to other schools, then you probably do not want to apply ED anywhere.
I would only apply ED to a college if: 1) you have a clear cut top choice that appears affordable (run net price calculators) and 2) you have no need to compare financial offers between colleges.
And are you certain UMD is a safety for you? Often computer science programs are more competitive than other programs.
And is Columbia worth it? That is your call. You can always apply and decide later if you get in.
Are you at or near full pay? If not, you could also ask if UCB or UIUC is worth it.
You should apply ED to the school that you love and know you can afford. There is no rule that says you have to apply binding ED either. My daughter opted not to even though she knew that would reduce her chances for her reach school. That said, if you are just going by reputation, out of your list, I would choose CMU for CS.
There is no ED (or EA) for UC-Berkeley
I’m presuming you have safety and match schools that you didn’t list here, and this is strictly an ED question among your reaches, correct?
If you can afford to pay full price for four years at any of these schools, then you can afford visits to at least some of these (road trips?), which will help narrow it down. If you can’t afford four years of tuition without help, run the NPCs (or ask a parent to do it) and see what further perspective you gain from that.
BTW: CS at UIUC is NOT a match or safety for anyone. It has a high acceptance rate overall, but the low acceptance rate for the CS program is right in line with that of the ivy league:
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2017-02-07/record-number-ui-applicants-leads-record-number-admissions.html
ard thanks guys
I would agree, out of those on the list, you would benefit the most by ED to CMU.
For the exception of UMD, all these schools are either private schools or out of state. The most you can take out in student loans is $27k for a 4 year degree. If you add cost to the equation, chances are, you’re going to UMD whether you like it or not. The good thing about computer science is that prestige makes no difference. It’s an industry built entirely on practical skill and experience.
Actually UMD is one of the top CS schools in the country, so if cost is any kind of issue it should be a no-brainer. If cost is not an issue I would eliminate UIUC and Columbia and maybe even Cornell.
If memory serves me correctly you will need to specify two major/school choices in application to CMU. The school of computer science at CMU is top notch with great academics and degree options. CMU SCS is also very selective - 7% acceptance rate in 2017-2018,