Applying Early Decision/Admission- increases your chance of getting in?

Applying to College
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<p>So I've always heard this RUMOR that applying Early Decision or Early Admission to UC Berkeley or UCLA gives you a better chance of getting accepted. Is that even true? True to a certain extent? A complete lie?</p>

<p>What's the difference between Early Decision and Early Admission anyway? </p>

<p>What's the point of applying Early Decision or Early Admission?</p>

<p>Does applying Early Decision or Early Admission have any benefits or negatives? I already know that one or the other is binding. </p>

<p>Just in case you need to know, I'm applying to UCs and maybe a few privates like NYU and USC. I really want to go to either UC Berkeley or UCLA- not sure yet.</p>

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<p>ED = binding
EA = not binding</p>

<p>The point of applying EA is to get your answer sooner (ie you know if you've been accepted/rejected before 2nd semester, vs april).</p>

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<p>I'm pretty sure Berkeley and LA don't even have EA or ED ... so yes, its a lie.</p>

<p>However, private schools seem to favor EA and ED applicants.
If you apply early, you can get your decision earlier and thus you get to not worry about applications during regular decision time. Plus, with EA, you aren't required to go, so you can have other options.</p>

<p>ED is binding, so you might not get the deal that you want from the college you want (tuition-wise). Plus, you can't just "change your mind."</p>

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<p>Bear in mind that the early pool has a lot of legacies and athletes in it, which raises the admit rate and lowers the average scores.</p>

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<p>Wait...I don't think Cal and UCLA have ED/EA...</p>

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<p>If athletes and legacies are usually viewed with preference, why would they need to apply via ED ?</p>

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<p>What do you mean binding?
Does that mean that I can apply ED only to one school of my choice?</p>

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<p>Yes, you are correct.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
If athletes and legacies are usually viewed with preference, why would they need to apply via ED ?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Because if the school is going to show they're committed to the athlete, the athlete has to reciprocate that sentiment.
That's how I understand it, at least.</p>

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<p>You need to find a better rumor mill. The UCs do NOT offer EA -- their RD deadline has been Nov 30, with responses being released late March. It's been that way for at least 40 years....</p>

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<p>Maybe not 40 years. I know I knew I was admitted to UCD before Christmas. My husband knew he was admitted to Berkeley by the end of January. Then again, this was in the late 70s. So, quite possibly it's been this way 25 years.</p>

<p>If you are in the top 4% in your class you may get admitted to a UC earlier than March. It might not be the one you are going for, I'm not sure they offer UCLA or UCB in that round. My daughter did get likely letters earlier, maybe Feb?</p>

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<p><a href="http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/webex/Apply_earlynatudoc_brief.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/webex/Apply_earlynatudoc_brief.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>That should answer your question.</p>