<p>So, Penn's early decision acceptance rate is significantly higher than regular decision. Like, amazingly so. But, aren't the majority of these applicants legacies and therefore have a higher shot at getting in the the normal applicant? So then, is this higher acceptance rate more of a false hope/trick? The stats are kind of misleading...</p>
<p>I guess, would a normal applicant, no legacy or athletics w/ Penn being a reach school, actually benefit from applying early?</p>
<p>bump 10char.</p>
<p>Short answer: yes. Penn does not lower its standards to admit ED applicants, but applying ED demonstrates great interest in and commitment to Penn. All else being equal, it can be a plus that distinguishes your level of interest from that of a comparable RD applicant, and CAN increase your chances of acceptance. Bottom line, if Penn is truly your first choice, then apply ED.</p>
<p>Okay, this clears things up. Well, it’s what I thought, but then I realized the pool of applicants is slightly different. Oh and another question…</p>
<p>So if someone is deferred ED, then they go to the RD pool. Does that mean that they are no longer in a binding contract? Or if they get deferred —> accepted that means they still have to go? Not really something that I’m applying to myself btw.</p>
<p>Once an ED applicant is deferred to RD, all ED bets are off and the applicant is free to decline a RD acceptance, just like any other RD acceptee. Only an ED acceptance is binding.</p>
<p>KK. Thanks!</p>