Early Decision Pros and Cons

This is an open ended request for suggestions and advice in this process. I decided initially to apply ED, but have been positioned to reconsider. I am not very affluent and so college will be a hassle to pay for. Specifically I am interested in American University. Tell me what you all think.

Only apply ED if: 1) you have one school that is your absolute top choice and 2) you have no need/desire to compare financial offers from different colleges.

American is a tough call, because:

  1. Over 80% of students were admitted ED but just 26% overall. An argument for ED if it is your top choice! American offers more of an advantage for ED candidates than almost any other college in the nation.
  2. American offers merit aid to some students. An argument against ED, on the theory that they will have more incentive to woo an RD student with merit aid to ensure the student chooses American and not another university.

If your stats are typical or low for American, ED would be a huge advantage. If you are a top candidate they might want to woo with merit money, waiting might make sense.

You might ask an admissions officer for his/her opinion on your best strategy, making it clear that it is your top choice but that you have financial concerns.