<p>What's the cause and effect relationship between wealth and decision to apply early? Is there any at all? I don't think so. There may be a correlation, but I have yet to see any causation.</p>
<p>Schools can only accept so many students early. With the exception of deferred applicants, the early and regular pools are separate. There generally isn't 'less space' for regular decision applicants. If anything, there's more because from sheer a number standpoint the universities accept more in the second round.</p>