Does Early Decision really raise one's chances?

Applying to College
1

<p>Or is it just that there's a higher percentage of people applying ED with the needed scores / stats that the college wants?</p>

2

<p>If the school considers “level of applicant’s interest”, then applying ED is the strongest possible way of expressing a high “level of applicant’s interest”.</p>

3

<p>It depends on the college. For some schools it definitely improves the chances of acceptance.</p>

4

<p>It improves the chances of those who meet the qualification thresholds, which is usually the 25% line in the mid-50 statistics. If you are below that line and are not in a special category, it does little to nothing.for you. For example, say a school has a mid-50 of ACT 29-32 and you a student with a 29 ACT, 3.9 GPA, good ECs, 6-8 APs in core subjects. As an ED candidate, you got a better shot than if you applied RD. However, if you only had a 28 or had a weaker GPA or class rigor, they might defer or deny you, as you’d be less than a compelling candidate and they might be better off waiting for the RD applicants. </p>

<p>Basically, you’ve got to give them a decent base to build the class on, and that means at least matching the stats of the previous class.</p>

5

<p>Harvard’s EA is like 21% i believe…but Georgetown’s is lower :frowning: </p>

6

<p>I was just looking at the admissions statistics for Ivies, ED vs. Regular, and the acceptance rates were appalling. </p>

7

<p>Yes, it definitely raises your chances, particularly if you are a great candidate. You’re competing against fewer people, and you are expressing interest that you will definitely attend. As for schools like Harvard, I’d say their rate is disgustingly high because athletes apply early, legacies apply early, and people who already have finished their apps, testing, and have wanted Harvard for a long time (over-eager over-achievers) apply early. Also people who they’re pretty sure will matriculate if they are accepted. So yeah, it seems like it’s easier to get into Harvard early, it’s not by much.
Though if there is any advantage, it’s worth a shot to go for it early.</p>

8

<p>ED acceptances typically include legacies, recruited athletes, and others with major hooks so the numbers are a bit inflated for that.</p>