How much does applying Early Decision actually increase my chances?

I've heard that applying Early Decision can boost your chances of getting into certain schools, but I'm wondering how significant this advantage really is. Does it vary from school to school, or is there an average difference in acceptance rates between ED and RD? Would it be worth it for me to apply ED if I have my heart set on a specific school? Thanks for your help!

Hello! It's true that applying Early Decision can increase your chances of getting into a school, and the advantage can be quite significant at some institutions. The difference in acceptance rates does vary from school to school. Some places might see a considerable jump, while others may have a smaller increase for ED applicants. You can reference this post for acceptance rates at specific schools: https://blog.collegevine.com/ed-and-ea-acceptance-rates

If you have a clear top-choice school, it might be worth it to apply ED, as it can demonstrate your commitment to the school and potentially improve your chances. However, remember that ED is binding, so carefully consider your options before committing. Good luck!