If you read the terms of ED it is binding and explicitly states you are to pull other applications if accepted, which is how I interpreted the status at CMU. If so and the UMich application wasn’t pulled, then yes, that is gaming the system. However I do see where there is a chance she hasn’t yet heard from CMU and is contemplating whether to withdraw that app before heading back. Because if she doesn’t do that and is accepted that is binding
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They were not yet accepted by the ED2 school. That’s the point.
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That is a possibility; I don’t think we actually know the status.
The CMU website says ED2 notifies “by early February” so I guess it may in fact have happened. I read their comment assuming otherwise, my bad if so.
In any event, it’s a tough decision to make on a tight time frame. Good luck, sincerely.
did you even read what i wrote: “especially if you withdraw ur app before receiving the decision.” i am not suggesting someone should wait for an ED decision and then change their mind. however, i am saying they are welcome to change their mind before they receive a decision outcome bc financial circumstances and preferences change
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It was four years ago, but had a former admissions staffer who had transitioned into college admissions counseling said it was an actual practice that UM employed. Maybe it has changed, but this person had no reason to lie at that point in time.
hmmm - ED is not gaming the system if you apply because you intend to attend.
If one did this behavior later in their professional life, they would be seen as unsavory.
If you ED and you get in, assuming the finances are there, it’s game over - period, end of story.
“This is for students who know Carnegie Mellon is their first choice and will enroll if admitted.”
These are contracts signed by the student, parent, and counselor. You’ve put signature to paper - not just yours - but others who assured you’d live up to your end of the bargain.
If people aren’t sure (i.e. going to change their minds), they should never have applied ED - but the truth is, people have become so prestige focused, the apply ED, even if not sure it’s their favorite - because they want their best chance at a high ranked school. And that’s gaming.
And that’s wrong.
Yes, colleges put a ton of pressure - and that’s wrong - but families should push back on that pressure. I had no issue doing so.
Your counselor should be fired. Nobody should be pressured. Explained the potential benefits - yes. The requirements - yes. Push you - absolutely not.
You were steered wrong and it’s too bad - but in essence, if you’re gaming for a top acceptance that you’re unsure you want, then you should never have applied ED - period, end of story.
If the student is still waiting an answer (which will come any day), they can see if they are able to withdraw. Doing so will potentially lead to rejection.
ED is a choice - no one is being forced to do so - but if one does it, take it seriously.
There is pressure at a car dealership or furniture store too - but people don’t necessarily walk out with a new car or new couch.
This is a business transaction and people should live to the terms of their contractual agreement.
They can avoid having to do so by simply saying no.
If the school decides they don’t want you then - their loss - find another that does.
That’s many great places to give your time and money - you certainly needn’t do to a place that exacts a ton of unneeded pressure on you.
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CMU ED2 decisions are out already. Did you get in?
This will depend on the school - some will allow you to bail - but maybe not the day before.
Based on the initial OP comment, finances won’t be an issue.
I assumed so until people said perhaps they didn’t…interested to hear but they way it was written initially - yes.
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The Common Data Set says they consider interest.
How schools track that is different…could be essays, contacts…no way to know unless they explicitly tell you.
This is the Michigan forum.
If you desire to discuss the CMU ED2 conversation further, then please start a new thread.
However, the applicant being given the “3rd degree” here has already stated above that they withdrew the ED2 application.
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can i get some major advice? i was disappointed to see i did not get the CS major but U of M is still my top choice. i was planning to double major in CS and Spanish within LSA. i was hoping to get some opinions to figure out my path of study before i attend…
- math + spanish majors with CS minor
- stats + spanish majors with CS minor
- data science + spanish majors with math minor
- data science + spanish majors with stats minor
- data science + math majors with Spanish minor
- data science + statistics majors with Spanish minor
let me know what you think of these combos or if you think a different one would be a better replacement for CS. i’d prefer to do Spanish as a secondary major so please suggest whether you think i should do data science with stats/math minor or math/stats major with CS minor or some other combination!
Math as a major, heck, even as a minor is a really difficult route at Michigan. Study the classes you will need to take. Talk to an advisor.
iMO, I’d say DS major with a math minor. But you better really love math. 
I don’t see that they withdrew. I just reread.
If they ask a question people will answer.
If you want to study CS, go to a school where you can study CS.
In general, math is a great major but do you want to major in math ?
What is your career goal - if any ?
I am asking for my options at the University of Michigan in particular. I wasn’t asking for career advice, just which combinations of majors would make the most sense if I went here
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Quick update, I am planning to try to transfer to CoE for computer engineering. If that doesn’t work out I will do Data Science with a math minor 
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Why I was asking for your goals…so I can answer your question.
You gave various combos but what are you seeking to accomplish?