Hi, out of curiosity which college would I have the best chance at early decision (Duke, Upenn, Brown, Columbia or I welcome any other college suggestions) (I have 3.8, 1450, Hispanic Recognition Program with Nation Merit Qualifier)
Which school can you write most passionately about? Best fit?
Do you love gothic buildings, southern climate, frat centric social life and college basketball? Duke.
Will you take advantage of an open curriculum, enjoy a relatively low pressure and politically active community. Do you want a small city with lots of college atmosphere? Brown.
Do you want to go to a school in arguably the busiest city in the USA, adhere to a fairly rigid core curriculum, receive a world class education while at a school with little or no sports culture? Columbia.
Do you want to attend the best undergraduate business program in the world? Penn/Wharton.
Each school you mention is unique aside from being elite, offering premier academics and being prestigious. None stands out as “easier” to gain admittance to. The only fair way to respond to your question is that your best chance is the school whom you can apply to with the most authenticity and sincerity. Good luck.
You’re asking the difference between a 3% and 5% acceptance rate. Either way, chances are lousy. Your GPA and SAT scores are below average too. I wouldn’t waste my time and money applying to these schools.
^ Actually the RD acceptance rates for 2022:
Columbia 5.5%
Brown 7.2%
Duke 8.3%
Penn 8.4%
ED would be considerably higher (on average 20%ish) at all 4.
While your scores are on the low side I wouldn’t advise you whether or not to apply in the absence of the full picture. If you have a hook, great ECs or just want a shot go for it.
Good news is it’s your time and money to “waste” not coolguys.
Many ED spots are reserved for athletes or legacy students. So the ED acceptance rate might be misleading.