Where should I apply ED?

theunforgiven
Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:25:41 +0000

I’m torn between Columbia and Cornell.

I don’t subscribe to the idea of being in love with a school that you haven’t attended yet, so that’s out.

Want to study engineering physics/physics, with economics as a minor or second major, and French as a minor (some substantial ECs in this.)

International student needing almost full-aid.

SAT: 2200-2250
GPA: N/A, basically all As since the 9th grade. Might get one B in senior year, I’m a gap year student.
SAT IIs: 1600
ECAs: Decent enough. Comparable to the ivy/top 20 school admits from my country, however, no international awards/participation…some national ones. Mostly to do with math/science, community service, work experience, blah blah…all decent…compared to high ranked school admits form my country, not others.

So I know that chances are really low of getting into either. For engineering, the choice would perhaps clearly be Cornell, also given the fact that Cornell gives less aid to internationals, I might increase my chances of getting aid if I apply ED.

But given my other interests, and the fact that I LOVE the core curriculum (not the idea of one…but actually what we have to study on it), and the fact that acceptance rate is half of Cornell, Columbia seems like the better choice for ED.

In terms of fit, I guess I don’t really see myself belonging in any school. I know I’d do ok wherever I go tbh.

So where should I apply ED? Columbia SEAS or Cornell School of Engineering?

Or Penn?