<p>I was wondering if, for Columbia, ED is better than EA, or if Early anything is even a good idea. Columbia is my absolute dream school and I am told that I have a fair chance of getting in. ED is binding and seems like it should give me a better shot, but my guidance counselor said that the early things are full of the really competitive kids who want to make sure they get their spot. This means that I'll be compared with a tougher group. Is there any truth to this? Should I do ED/EA at all, or will regular admission let me look good in comparison to less competitive people? If early is a good idea, should it be ED/EA? I'm a Junior in case that helps.</p>
<p>The jury is out. </p>
<p>A lot of people say ED is a way for kids with potentially lower stats get a little bit of leeway. I’ve read a lot of explanations, but the possible explanations are that:</p>
<ul>
<li>Come March/April when RD decisions are released, odds are those rejected from RD would be less likely to remember the lower stats of people who got accepted ED</li>
<li>Students show determination applying early </li>
<li>Some schools like to be loved, so they may be more forgiving and admit students that really are passionate and want to attend their institution</li>
<li>Some athletes are recruited during ED</li>
</ul>
<p>A lot of schools contend that, by applying early, you do not hurt nor increase your chances, and the higher percentage of acceptance is due to the strength of the applicant pool. However, it begs the question: if applying early doesn’t help, then why have it? Why would anyone apply early and risk rushing their app? </p>
<p>Naturally, ED is also binding. If you get in, you must attend (barring financial inability), and not attending has serious consequences for you (and potentially, any applicant from your school in the future). Typically, you can apply to one ED school and as many EA schools as you want – but if ED accepts you, then you <em>must</em> go there. </p>
<p>ED at Columbia has about 20% admit rate, while RD is about 7%. To be honest, I think ED is even more generous. My stats were pretty borderline, but I think that applying early kind of boosted my chances of getting in. We’ll never know for sure, though, but that’s my opinion. If you want to, compare the stats of people who got in ED vs RD for 2016 (or 2017 early next year). </p>
<p>If Columbia is your dream school, then apply early. If you get in, you won’t regret not having to send in any other applications, and can start daydreaming early. </p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>
<p>Thanks so much! Daydreaming early does sound like fun… :3</p>
<p>Where are you getting the 20% and 7%? Is there a reputable website for stats like that?</p>
<p>Also, just making sure…if I get rejected from ED, I can apply in the RD pool right?</p>
<p>No, you cannot reapply the same year if you are rejected ED. When you get your decision in December, you’ll either be accepted, rejected, or deferred. Deferral pushes you to the RD pool and you’ll get another decision in March/April. Rejection means you have to wait and apply in another year.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I got the 20% from [url=<a href=“http://www.hernandezcollegeconsulting.com/ivy-league-admissions-statistics/]this[/url”>http://www.hernandezcollegeconsulting.com/ivy-league-admissions-statistics/]this[/url</a>] table and admit rate [url=<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/sites/default/files/class_of_2016_profile.pdf]here[/url”>http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/sites/default/files/class_of_2016_profile.pdf]here[/url</a>].</p>
<p>If Columbia is your dream school, apply ED. :)</p>
<p>Regardless of the relative strength of the ED pool, you’re being compared with everyone – eventually. If you get deferred, you’re compared with everyone – it’s not two separate pools.</p>
<p>If you’re rejected ED, you would have been rejected RD as well. This is not a valid strategy</p>
<p>Apply ED if its your dream school. It will help a little with regards to showing your interest. Plus, if you don’t get in early, you can send a follow up letter to help your application.</p>