Can a Student Who Has Been Admitted to Both Yale and Harvard Choose to Attend Neither School?

When faced with the offer of admission from prestigious universities like Yale and Harvard, an admitted student might wonder if they can choose to attend neither and instead opt for another university. This choice poses significant questions, especially in terms of financial feasibility and career prospects.

The Financial Aspect of Entrance to Elite Universities

The cost of attending an elite university like Harvard or Yale is substantial. Consequently, many admitted students must weigh their financial capabilities against the benefits of attending one of these top institutions.

For example, consider the scenario of an individual who was admitted to Harvard but chose to attend the University of Oklahoma instead, earning a salary of $400,000 annually. Despite missing out on the opportunity to join the top 1% of Harvard graduates, this individual still falls into the higher-end earnings bracket typical of Harvard alumni.

Such examples suggest that while attending a prestigious university like Harvard or Yale can significantly enhance earning potential, there are other factors to consider, especially in terms of financial viability.

Early Decision and Its Implications

It is important to note that the decision to attend a particular university can be influenced by the application process itself. Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement where students commit to attending a specific university if they are accepted. This means that an admitted student bound by ED must attend the school to which they have applied.

For students who have chosen not to apply for Early Decision, they still have the flexibility to make an informed decision about which university to attend. A student admitted to both Yale and Harvard could remain bound to one of these institutions if they opt for Early Decision, but they have the option to attend another university if that is what aligns best with their goals.

Flexibility in University Selection

While it is legally binding to attend a university if admitted through Early Decision, there are instances where students can remain flexible in their choices. If a student is admitted through regular decision to Yale and Harvard, they can choose to attend another university that accepted them. Studies show that such students will generally achieve comparable life outcomes to those who chose to attend Yale or Harvard under similar background conditions.

This flexibility not only grants students the opportunity to make the best personal choice but also emphasizes that success in life is not solely dependent on attending one of the most prestigious universities.

Conclusion

The decision to attend an elite university such as Yale or Harvard is complex and multifaceted. While financial considerations play a significant role, the binding nature of ED and the opportunities for flexibility in regular decision admissions highlight the importance of making choices that align with one's personal and professional goals.

Students admitted to both Yale and Harvard have the opportunity to choose whether to remain bound to one of these institutions or to opt for another university. This flexibility underscores the importance of considering a wide range of factors, including financial feasibility and career aspirations, in making the best decision for one's future.