Hello, I've been bouncing between applying Early Decision or Regular Decision to my top choice school. I heard Early Decision generally has higher acceptance rates, but I'm not sure if that's true. Can someone give me an insight into this, and what are the actual differences in admission rates? Thanks so much!
Hello! You're correct that Early Decision (ED) typically has higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision (RD). The main reason for this is that colleges appreciate students who demonstrate strong interest and commitment by applying ED, as it is a binding application if you're accepted. Additionally, colleges benefit from securing high-yield students through the ED process, which helps improve their selectivity and rankings.
On average, applying ED can result in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to highly selective schools. For example, if your chances before choosing to apply ED were 4%, that could bump your chances up to 6.4%, representing a meaningful increase of about 2.4 extra percentage points. Keep in mind that this can vary a lot by school, and this is just the data on average.
It's important to note that while the higher acceptance rates for ED may seem appealing, these numbers can also be slightly misleading. ED pools tend to comprise strong applicants who are highly qualified and committed to attending the school, which can contribute to higher acceptance rates. Moreover, some schools might admit more recruited athletes or legacy students during the ED round, which can also skew the numbers.
Nonetheless, if you are sure about your top choice school and you feel confident in your application, applying ED can provide you with a modest advantage. However, you should also remember that applying ED is a binding agreement, and you should only pursue this option if you're absolutely certain the school is the best fit for you, both academically and financially.
Ultimately, the decision to apply ED or RD depends on your personal circumstances and how sure you are about the school. If you need more time to improve your application or explore other options, applying RD might be a better choice. But if you know that the school is your dream institution and the financial aspect is manageable, applying ED can offer a slight boost to your chances.
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