Does Early Decision increase chances of admission?

Hi all! I'm a junior in high school and I've been researching the college admissions process. I'm curious if applying Early Decision to a college really increases your chances of admission? I'm interested in the benefits, but I don't want to rush into a decision. I appreciate any input!

Hello there! It's great to see that you're being thoughtful about your college admissions process. Applying Early Decision (ED) can indeed often increase your chances of admission to a particular college. This is because ED is a binding commitment that demonstrates your high level of interest in that school. Colleges value the assured enrollment that comes with an accepted ED applicant.

However, you have to be absolutely certain that it's the right fit for you both academically and financially, as you are committed to attending if admitted. It's crucial to have conversations about affordability with your family beforehand since you'll be forgoing the opportunity to compare financial aid offers.

To give you an example, schools like Vanderbilt University have been reported to have a higher acceptance rate for ED applicants than for those who apply during the regular decision cycle. Simply put, if you have a dream school and your application is strong, ED could provide an edge, but do weigh this against your need for flexibility in choosing a college come spring.