Insight on Early Decision Schools

I'm kind of confused about the whole early decision application thing. Can someone break it down for me? What are early decision schools and how might it impact my acceptance chances?

Definitely! Early Decision (ED) is a type of college application process in which students apply early to one school and promise to enroll there if accepted. Applications are typically due in November and you'll receive an admission decision by December, well before Regular Decision (RD) deadlines and decisions.

The primary benefit of applying ED is the potential boost in acceptance rates. The increase in acceptance rates for ED applicants can be quite noteworthy, even when controlling for student profile strength. While the exact numbers have changed in recent years, as acceptance rates across the board have declined, historically applying ED could increase your chances by 1.6x or a 60% at super selective schools. If before applying ED your chances were 4%, applying ED could bump your chances up to roughly 6.4%.

This bump occurs for two main reasons. First, the students show a high level of enthusiasm about the school, by choosing them over all other options. Even at schools that don't officially consider demonstrated interest, this enthusiasm can help give them confidence that the student is ready to contribute to their campus community right away.

Second, schools care about their yield rates, or the percentage of accepted students who ultimately enroll. The ED round has a 100% yield rate, since admitted students are required to enroll, so the more students they accept ED, the higher their yield rate.

Do remember that ED is binding – if you're accepted, you're required to withdraw your other applications and attend that institution (barring extreme complications, like insufficient financial aid). Therefore, it's critical to only apply ED to a school if you're absolutely sure it's your first choice and financial aid isn't a major concern. While insufficient financial aid is one of the only reasons you are allowed to break the ED agreement, this is a stressful process, and a heartbreaking one (since you need to tell your dream school no after being accepted), so best to avoid it if possible.

And finally, while the ED acceptance rates are generally higher, applying ED doesn't guarantee admission. Your grades, rigor of your curriculum, test scores (if submitted), extracurriculars, essays, and so on are far more important for determining your personal chances of acceptance than the admissions round you choose.

I hope this overview helps clarify the concept of Early Decision for you!