<p>I am going to be applying to colleges in the fall, and I have two top choices: Rice and Wesleyan. Which one would I have a better chance at getting into ED? Also, I know I am applying to some highly competitive schools… Am I dreaming or am I being somewhat realistic?</p>
<p>Advantages for Rice: Out of state, it is supposedly easier to get in. I am African American</p>
<h2>Advantages for Wesleyan: Supposedly not as difficult as Rice, (but still tough). I am African American</h2>
<p>Here is the list of schools that I am applying to:</p>
<p>Safety: UConn</p>
<p>Targets: Skidmore, Middlebury (African American is a huge advantage for this school), Macalester and University of Rochester</p>
<p>Reaches: Wesleyan, Emory, Tufts and Rice </p>
<hr>
<p>Here are my stats (They are brief because I don’t feel comfortable saying all this stuff on the Internet…)</p>
<p>GPA: 3.70 (Unweighted)
SAT: 1940
Courses: 1 AP and 4 Honors classes Junior Year, 4 AP’s and 1 Honors classes Senior Year</p>
<p>There is a definite statistical advantage to applying early to Wesleyan; the admit rate for ED is much higher than for RD. That being said, it probably isn’t advisable to do so, if you are a URM. Wesleyan is very generous with fin/aid, but, you never know what another college may offer you by the time April or May rolls around. It might pay to play it by ear.</p>
<p>I don’t theink Wes is easier than Rice, all things being equal. For example, I don’t think organic chemistry is any easier at Wes than it would be at rice. There are fewer engineering students at Wesleyan (they have to enroll in a special 3/2 program) and that probably has an effect on the overall vibe of the place. And, the weekend probably starts a tad earlier at Wes than it might at Rice. But, an A is still relatively hard to come by even in the arts and humanities.</p>
<p>You’re right about Middlebury; because of its low yield, they accept something like 70% of all African-American applicants.</p>
<p>Rice is pretty cool, but I think Wesleyan has a pretty different feel to the campus. Wesleyan is the kind of campus that is “always on”, kind of, quirky and passionate and engaged and intellectual. I’ve heard great things about Rice, too, but you should visit the schools (hopefully while campus is in session! The best and most unique thing about Wes is the student body, so it’s hard to get a feel for how amazing it is during the summer) and see what feels right. :D</p>
<p>PomBomber, you should choose whichever school is better for your major and for your fit as a person/student. I would personally advocate for Wes, since I’m going there, but I wouldn’t want you to choose a school that you wouldn’t be happy at. Here are some things to keep in mind: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Rice’s strongest areas include the applied sciences.</p></li>
<li><p>Wesleyan’s strongest areas include math, science, the humanities, and film.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Get a feel for both campuses when visiting, talk to current students to get an inside perspective, and do some research. Never choose a school just because of location.</p>