<p>From what I understand, you apply ED/EA because you have statistically better chances at acceptance, and then you also receive an early confirmation.</p>
<p>But could applying ED/EA potentially offer lower chances to a mediocre applicant than would RD? Because it seems that only the top students apply early, thus making everything more competitive in that round, even though statistics show higher percentages...</p>
<p>Hopefully you guys catch my drift :)</p>
<p>I understand your point of view. From what I’ve read, the competition is about the same. One advantage is that if you are denied the ED/EA route, then usually your application is forwarded to the regular decision round, so you get another shot!</p>
<p>JamesJr: true, getting a second shot would suggest better chances in the grand scheme, overall, if you are starting at ED, and then moving on to RD…</p>
<p>but… if you are rejected ED, you cannot reapply RD, right? in that case, couldn’t we assume that never applying ED would have given a possibly better opportunity in RD? (only if we assume ED to be a more competitive pool)</p>
<p>I’m just trying to figure out if ED could possible be a negative force in getting accepted. (i’m paranoid haha) Thanks again!</p>
<p>From my understanding, if you are rejected ED then you would have had little chance during the RD round. Anyone who comes close to meeting the schools standards would be deferred, not rejected.</p>
<p>Advantage: Easier to get in, if deferred then you look better because it shows the school that its your #1, don’t have to wait, smaller pool usually.</p>
<p>Disadvantage:They look at your application more closely since there are less so it might be harder to slip through the system like in RD, Binding (obviously)</p>
<p>Not really any disadvantages to ED/EA, just make sure the school is what you want.</p>
<p>thanks, sounds great!</p>
<p>ED is a disadvantage in my opinion because it is binding. EA is not.</p>
<p>At top schools the numbers accepted ED look better because it’s when they accept most recruited athletes, legacies, staff kids and development candidates. Most will tell you applying EA/ED is not an advantage for those without a hook.</p>
<p>Below the top schools it does help. They are not going to let in the lesser qualified but it’s a good way to assure their yield.</p>