Early Decision and Admissions

Applying to College
1

<p>It's the question asked a million times with several different answers. Does applying ED really help with admissions? I've read two main schools of thought on the matter. One says ED is the ultimate display of interest and has traditionally higher admissions percentages for students that may perhaps have less of a chance if applying RD. The other schools says that ED is primarily used by stronger applicants and is just as, if not more competitive than RD.</p>

<p>I ask this of course because I'm rising senior and am debating whether or not to apply ED to Penn. I have stats within the averages, but nothing super-competitive that would give me an edge. Would applying ED bump up my chances?</p>

2

<p>I believe EA rate is the same as RD rate. But ED rate is usually higher, assuming a “typical” ivy applicant, because you have to go there if you are accepted. So you should do ED i think. But i want to know what other people say as well so don’t take my answer tooo seriously.</p>