Just how much does applying Early Decision help my chances?

I know that applying Early Decision can sometimes improve your odds of acceptance, but I'm wondering just how significant that boost is. Are there any statistics or specific examples that show how much more likely it is for someone to be accepted ED compared to Regular Decision? Thanks!

Hi there! It's true that applying Early Decision (ED) can improve an applicant's chances of admission in many cases, but it's important to remember that this isn't true for every school. The advantage of applying ED varies from one institution to another, so it's crucial to do your research to understand the potential benefits for the specific schools you're considering.

Indeed, there are statistics that show a higher acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants at some institutions. For example, in 2020, the Early Decision acceptance rate at Vanderbilt University was 20.7% compared to their Regular Decision rate of 8.4%. Similarly, at Johns Hopkins University, the ED acceptance rate for the same year was 29.9% while the RD rate was 10.9%. These examples provide some general insight into the potential benefits of applying ED, but remember that every college and applicant pool is different.

It's important to weigh the potential benefits of ED against the binding nature of the agreement and any financial aid implications. In short, while applying Early Decision can be advantageous at some schools, it's vital to understand the nuances and do solid research before making a decision. Best of luck!