<p>A discussion on another thread brought this question to me. In your experience, do most students who apply ED choose schools which are matches for them (which they are happy with) in order to have the process over with early and "rest easy", so to speak, or do most apply to reaches in hopes of increasing their chances for admission to schools where they would have a low chance otherwise.
Not many of my daughter's classmates are applying ED, although she is applying this way, and I was curious about this.
Thanks.</p>
<p>In my limited experience, many folks apply EA (non-binding) to "match" or even "safety" schools, and ED to "reaches" in order (sometimes mistakenly) to increase their odds. Plenty of exceptions, though. Once you get below the top 50 schools, there are plenty of EAs that will be reaches for the overwhelming majority of applicants.</p>
<p>Thanks. Did you mean to say ABOVE the top 50 schools?</p>
<p>MotherOfTwo:</p>
<p>For me, ED app went to one of my reach schools...that I was pretty sure was my first-choice school. And, my EA applications went to match, and match safety schools. That way, I hear from my ED school (reach), and EA schools (match, and safeties) at the same time. So, even if I get bad news from my ED school, I'll at least have one or two acceptances by December 15th--and then find a couple of other colleges if necessary (already have RD list).</p>
<p>I do have a few friends that ED'd/EA'd/SCEA'd to get it over with, but I think ED/EA/SCEA is often used to boost chances at competative schools and reaches. Of course, athletes, legacies, and the wealthy also use the early programs to boost their chances.</p>
<p>Anyway, I hope this helps a bit. Have a good day. :)</p>
<p>"Thanks. Did you mean to say ABOVE the top 50 schools?"</p>
<p>Nope. Meant to say below. Remember that the average college attendee in the U.S. has something like a 1025 SAT and a 2.85 GPA. For these students, there are several hundred of schools that are reaches, even discarding the top 50.</p>