Does Penn offer a higher likelihood of acceptance through ED or is it because of another variable?

After researching the statistics for the previous class, the ED admit rate was 3x the RD one. However, I’m also quite aware that a good chunk of that boosts come from legacy students, which Penn gives a higher consideration to during ED. Assuming that legacy students aren’t the cause, could it also be down to just having a much stronger applicant pool for ED as compared to RD which is when weaker students tend to apply? Does the average applicant actually gain a boost in their chances through ED?

And recruited athletes.

I would make no such claim.

@Sumome
My child’s college counselor is a former AO at Penn with decades of experience. Yes, this is the pool where legacies, athletic recruits, and children of employees get admitted. But ED is also the place where a huge percent of the class is filled. Protect the yield and control the CDS stats.