<p>I was wondering if it's worth applying ED to a school where you are an average or above average applicant but really want to make sure you're in? I am probably going to apply to about 5-8 schools. Two of these schools are state institutions where money will not be an issue; at the rest of the schools I would require financial aid. If I don't get good aid from the private schools, I will most likely need to go to a public one. One of the state schools is an extremely good school academically and is a good value as well. I also visited it, liked it, and could definitely see myself there. I just don't want to feel like I'm "selling myself short" or doing myself a disservice when I have a strong chance of getting accepted anyway (unless the economic apocalypse occurs in the next six months and the top 75th percentile of students become the bottom 25th), I am still interested in other schools, and I am not sure how generous or ungenerous the private institutions will be with financial aid. What do you think? By the way, please don't tell me not to apply ED just because it's a public college; I need more valid reasons than that.</p>
<p>It depends on a lot. If you really like the school, and honestly see yourself there, then apply ED.
One of the schools I want to apply to is a state school, and if I still feel the same way about the school when the time comes to apply, then I’m applying as early as possible.
Don’t let the fact it’s a state school deter you.</p>
<p>However, if I remember correctly, ED is legally binding? Meaning that if you get in, you have to withdraw your applications from every other school. I’d consider EA, which isn’t binding. You still get your answer early, but you’re not required to attend, if those private schools offer enough aid.</p>
<p>Oh, and youre not selling yourself short by wanting to go to a state school. At the end of the day YOU have to live YOUR life, and the only way to sell yourself short is to go somewhere that doesn’t make you happy. Good luck!(:</p>
<p>Just for background information, the state school I want to attend the most only offers ED, and the other state school only offers EA.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>EA could be the best route for you, followed by RD apps sent based upon your EA decision(s).</p>
<p>For some schools, applying Early Decision helps substantially. See this helpful list provided by US News and World Report’s college rankings:</p>
<p>[Colleges</a> Where Applying Early Decision Helps - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2009/09/30/colleges-where-applying-early-decision-helps.html]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2009/09/30/colleges-where-applying-early-decision-helps.html)</p>
<p>If you want to take the ED route, you need to ask yourself two things:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is this school truly your first choice? Can you see yourself there, have you visited campus, has it always been a dream school or only recently become one? If you’re only applying to a school via ED to increase your chances, you’re making a grave error that may leave you regretting and wondering ‘what if.’ If it’s just to increase your chances, just do EA and RD, and leave ED to the kids who, beyond a shadow of a doubt, know where they want to go.</p></li>
<li><p>Can I afford it, regardless of FA offers? If you’re not absolutely sure that the FA package you receive will be enough, please please please apply RD. It’s not worth it, and you’ll be much happier attending a college of choice with a better FA package and far less debt after graduation.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you answered a resounding ‘YES’ to both questions, go for ED. It would be your best option. But if you have even the slightest doubt, don’t do it. Apply RD and save yourself the trouble.</p>
<p>Good luck. :)</p>