<p>Would it be better for me to apply early decision to one top competitive school (like Duke or Brown) or just apply regular decision to a bunch of top schools? I have a 34 ACT and I hope I'm somewhat talented/cool, so I am just wondering if ED will really help me get accepted in the long run. Or should I just cross my fingers and apply to 12 places and see what happens?</p>
<p>Why not do both? In most cases, ED can greatly increase your odds of acceptance, especially at the most selective schools. Start with that one and focus on it, then send in the others when you are ready.</p>
<p>How much can your family pay? If you need to be able to compare aid packages, skip the ED entirely, so that you can lay all the offers on the table next spring.</p>
<p>It’s not an either/or situation, you definitely want to plan on doing both, but if you get lucky, you don’t need to submit the others.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that ED binding agreements allow you to drop out if the financial offer is not enough for your family.</p>
<p>Thus, I am planning to, and I hold it to be a good alternative, that you apply ED to a school that DOES present an affordable figure on the NPC, that you really want to go to. No sense in applying to a school that will not be affordable.</p>
<p>^ It does allow you to withdraw from ED for a financial reason, but still you would not be able to compare that with other FA package. In addition, your HS GC may not help you to complete the application process for other private schools if you declined an ED offer. So one need to think it through before applying. If the NPC does show it is affordable and you absolutely like that school, then it makes sense to apply ED. </p>
<p>Okay thank you guys!
I would totally do ED if I had one school I absolutely loved. But I have three favorites, so the decision is hard. It may be best if I waited. The whole fate thing… lol</p>