<p>does applying to competitive schools early decision actually improve chances of being accepted? You dont have to worry about competing with the regular decision people, but i would assume that they look at your application with much more scrutiny as it is binding should the college accept you. Opinions?</p>
<p>Colleges give the explanation that the acceptance rate is higher not because the admission officers favor early decision applicants, but simply because there is a higher proportion of great worthy applicants than that in regular decision. Then there's the fact that since a student can only submit one application as ED, the number of applications sent as ED is less than RD in which many people apply as much as to up 10 colleges or more; the former only 1. As a result, the acceptance rate for RD is bloated by huge number of applications while ED seems more favorable due to limited numbers.</p>
<p>If there is one school that you truly love, would not regret your decision to attend, and money is NOT a factor, then go ahead and apply ED; especially if your numbers are borderline for the school. That's what one of D's friends did; he was a legacy, but his grades were not quite up to par for the school. He has been showing much interest in the college since he started H.S., and has visited many times. He was admitted ED.</p>
<p>However, if you're not sure what you want in a college, not sure what your major will be, or if you will require Financial Aid, do NOT apply ED. My nephew, National Merit commended, applied ED, was accepted, but then my brother was laid off. Even thought my nephew was NM commended, he did not get a scholarship, and did not any Financial Aid. My brother and his wife are struggling financially because they are basically paying full freight. If my nephew had applied RD to number of schools, he may have been able to compare scholarship and financial aid packages before making a decision where to attend.</p>