Early Decision - When to do it vs. when not to?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>In general, I just wonder what the rule of thumb is for deciding whether or not to apply ED/SCEA to a college. I know a lot of people say it helps your chances just because the admit rates are higher, but is this necessarily true?
Also, if you do ED, can you still apply non-binding EA to other schools as well, in case you didn't get in?
For example, Swarthmore is currently my number 1 school and this probably won't change before I apply to colleges, and I know their ED acceptance rate is a lot higher than their regular one. But I still don't know if ED would actually help MY chances, or if it's better to hold out and not do it</p>

<p>(Also I'm not totally sure I put this in the right section. Sorry?)</p>

2

<p>Yeah, admit rates are higher, and you can apply to non-binding EA schools at the same time but you have to withdraw all your other applications once you’ve been admitted ED. </p>

<p>If Swarthmore is a big reach for you + You’re 100% sure you want to go there + you’re 100% sure you can afford it, then go ED. </p>

<p>If finances are at all a consideration, then I wouldn’t recommend it. What if you get a full ride scholarship to your 2nd choice school?</p>