Faculty boost at HYPS vs ED0 at UChicago....
High Junior at a top prep school in a little bit of a dilemma. Parent is a tenured professor in a STEM subject at a top 5 (think Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Yale) university, so there is quite a good shot (60%?) I get it. However, I was recently admitted to a UChicago summer program that allows me to apply in a binding round in September (this is a new addition, UChicago calls it ED0/SSEN). My school has pretty established pipeline (75% ED1 rate) to UChicago and it is very appealing to finish the process in September. To complicate things even more, I really like Dartmouth and with my grades my school has an 70%+ ED1 rate.
I am hoping to go into finance out of undergrad, maybe going to business school later. My decision is based on which school would give me the best job connections as well as best education overall.
I like all of the schools equally
OPTION 1A: Apply ED0 to Chicago, get decision in late September and if rejected use my ED1 on faculty school and apply Dartmouth RD
OPTION 1B: Apply ED0 to Chicago, get decision in late September and if rejected use my ED1 on Dartmouth and apply faculty RD
OPTION 2A: Forgo ED0 to Chicago, use my ED1 on faculty school and if rejected apply Dartmouth RD.
OPTION 2B: Forgo ED0 to Chicago, use my ED1 on Dartmouth and if rejected apply faculty RD.
As many of you know, UChicago is nearly impossible to get in during rounds besides ED. I could ED2 there, but it will not be nearly as good of a shot.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you might approach this decision:
Key Considerations:
Faculty Boost at HYPS: Having a parent as a tenured professor at a top 5 university (HYPS) gives you a significant advantage. These schools are not only prestigious but also offer unparalleled opportunities in finance, business school placements, and alumni networks. If you have a 60% chance of admission, this is a strong option to prioritize.
UChicago ED0: UChicago's ED0 (SSEN) is a unique opportunity to secure admission early. UChicago is highly regarded for its academic rigor and prestige, especially in economics and finance. However, its acceptance rates outside of ED rounds are notoriously low, so ED0 is your best shot if you choose this route.
Dartmouth ED1: Dartmouth has a strong reputation for finance placements, particularly due to its tight-knit alumni network and focus on undergraduate education. With a 70%+ ED1 success rate from your school, this is a solid option if you prioritize Dartmouth.
Finance Career Goals: All three options (HYPS, UChicago, Dartmouth) are excellent for finance. HYPS and UChicago may have a slight edge in terms of global prestige and academic firepower, but Dartmouth's alumni network and placement in finance roles are also top-tier.
Option Analysis:
OPTION 1A: ED0 to UChicago, ED1 to Faculty School, Dartmouth RD
OPTION 1B: ED0 to UChicago, ED1 to Dartmouth, Faculty RD
OPTION 2A: ED1 to Faculty School, Dartmouth RD
OPTION 2B: ED1 to Dartmouth, Faculty RD
Recommendation:
If your ultimate goal is to maximize your chances at the best possible school for finance and education: - Option 2A is the safest bet. The faculty boost at HYPS is a rare and significant advantage, and these schools are unmatched in terms of prestige and opportunities. If you are rejected, Dartmouth RD is still a viable option. - If you are particularly drawn to UChicago and want to finish the process early, Option 1A is a strong alternative. It allows you to take advantage of UChicago's ED0 while keeping HYPS as a backup.
Ultimately, the decision depends on how much you value the early decision process at UChicago versus the potential prestige and opportunities at HYPS.
Sources: Undergrad: Will UChicago give me more opportunities than Michigan (Ross)?, UChicago's true rank, prestige and value for IB, Deciding on my undergrad: Dartmouth or Amherst (and I mean Amherst/Dartmouth college, not UMass), Undergrad: Will UChicago give me more opportunities than Michigan (Ross)?, High School....now what? AM career??
None of the T5 (HYPSM) have ED options, so 1A and 1B can't be done? Am I missing something?
That is true, but they do have REA, which is practically the same thing. REA prevents you from submitting other ED applications.
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