Should I apply Early Decision to boost my chances?

Hi all, so I'm thinking about applying Early Decision to Duke or Brown next year, but I'm not sure which one to choose. My SAT score is a 1480, and I have strong extracurriculars and recommendation letters. Would applying Early Decision significantly boost my admission chances? Thanks for any insights!

Hi! Applying Early Decision can indeed boost your chances of admission at some schools. By applying under the Early Decision plan, you're signaling to the school that it's your top choice and that you would be committed to attending if accepted. This can sometimes increase your odds of getting in compared to Regular Decision applicants.

Both Duke and Brown have selective Early Decision acceptance rates. These rates are often higher than their Regular Decision rates, so applying Early Decision might be advantageous. However, before you make a decision, consider two important factors. First, Early Decision is a binding commitment. Make sure you're absolutely confident about your choice of school. Second, think about the financial aid aspect. Early Decision financial aid packages may be less generous compared to Regular Decision ones.

In short, applying Early Decision can indeed boost your chances of admission, but only choose this route if you are certain that one of these schools is your top choice, and you're comfortable with the potential financial commitment. Good luck with your application process, and I hope you find the best fit for you!