<p>Is it a good idea for an average top 5% in the class. From NJ to apply early decision there? Soo many people apply there. Is it a better idea to apply to a different school and actaully have a larger chance?</p>
<p>UPenn has a fetish for high-ranking, high-scoring applicants, and ED will augment your chances. Worst case scenario, you’re deferred. You can’t lose.</p>
<p>You certainly can lose. Folks here ignore the fact that ED can, and is often used strategically to getbinto the best possible school.</p>
<p>Top 5% is good enough if all all else is great. But we’d need to know the all else. Penn gets an overwhelming number of applicants from NJ, all else would need to be stellar.</p>
<p>Top HS in NJ also will help. Schools like Princeton, Ridgewood, Tenafly etc. have a higher % acceptance. But my friend’s D, she is either a val or sal, did not get in, it was her first choice and broke her hart, she is now attending Cornell.</p>