Should I apply ED to my second-choice school?

Hi everyone, my second-choice school offers Early Decision, but I'm conflicted about applying. My first-choice school has restrictive Early Action, which I'm leaning towards. Would applying ED to my second-choice boost my chances of getting in, or should I stick to restrictive Early Action for my top choice? I'm feeling kind of stressed about this decision, and any advice would be appreciated.

Hi there! It's understandable that you're feeling stressed about this decision. It's great that you're considering your options carefully before making a choice. I want to help you weigh the pros and cons of applying Early Decision (ED) to your second-choice school versus applying Restrictive Early Action (REA) to your first-choice school.

Applying ED to your second-choice school may indeed boost your chances of being accepted, as colleges tend to admit a higher percentage of applicants during the ED round. However, keep in mind that ED is a binding commitment, so you'll need to be sure that you're comfortable attending your second-choice school if you're admitted. On the other hand, applying REA to your top-choice school could also increase your chances of admission, while still giving you the flexibility to consider other options if you're not accepted.

I'd recommend you do some soul searching and evaluate your priorities, as well as the financial aspect of each school. It's important to make a decision that aligns with your goals and preferences. Good luck!