<p>What are the benefits and downfalls of applying early? My friends encouraged me to apply early but is it worth it? I still have not taken the SAT/ACT tests yet but will be soon.</p>
<p>Benefits - higher acceptance rate, relieves you of the stress of the whole process earlier than usual</p>
<p>if you're a senior and haven't taken standardized tests yet, you're a little behind. There are only a few test dates left before the ED deadline, so if you're a senior, I would recommend waiting until RD to apply so that you can take the SAT twice and take some SAT IIs. If you're a junior, however, you have plenty of time to make up your mind, so here is some info:</p>
<p>If you are expecting to get any sort of financial aid from Rice, it might be better to apply RD. If you are admitted ED and your financial aid is not what you'd hoped for, you're kind of stuck.
If you are changing your mind every week about where you'd like to go, don't apply ED. The same is true if you're the type of person who wants to apply somewhere "just to see if you'd get in." You'll have to withdraw all pending applications if you're admitted under ED.
Early decision does have a higher acceptance rate, and it shows Rice that you're serious about wanting to go there.
You won't have to wait very long to find out if you got in or not, and you'll know where you're going to school long before the rest of your friends do.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>