Does applying Early Decision really increase my chances of admission?

Hi there! I've heard that applying Early Decision to a college can increase my chances of getting accepted, but I'm not sure if that's true or just a myth. Can anyone provide some insight on this? I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide if applying ED is the right choice for me. Thanks in advance!

Hey there! I totally understand your confusion, as there's a lot of different information out there. From my experience with my own child's college admissions process, applying Early Decision can indeed increase your chances of acceptance at some schools. Colleges often have a higher acceptance rate for ED applicants compared to Regular Decision because it demonstrates a strong commitment to that particular school. By applying ED, you're essentially telling the college that it's your top choice and you're willing to commit to attending if accepted. However, it's important to keep in mind that ED is a binding agreement, so you should only apply ED to a school if you're absolutely sure it's your first choice. Additionally, applying ED might not be the best option if you're relying on financial aid, as you won't be able to compare aid packages from other schools. I hope this helps and best of luck in your college search!