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I think the questions that your daughter should be asking are: #1 What is my first choice? #2 Am I a reasonable contender? #3 Whats the downside? Or in other words what do I have to lose?</p>
<p>These questions are in sequential order. If she cant give a decisive answer to number 1, then go no further. </p>
<p>If she has a clear favorite, then proceed to #2. By reasonable contender, she could fall anywhere in the statistical range of acceptees. It really doesnt matter what the percentage of chance is, except to determine that shes in the ballpark. </p>
<p>If she has a reasonable chance (reach or match) then go on to #3: she and you should turn the process upside down and consider how you would feel if she DIDNT apply ED. Would she be sorry that she didnt give it her best shot? Would she be relieved because it wasnt really her clear first choice (back to question #1)? Other than the inability to compare aid offers and remorse (which means she didnt truthfully answer #1), I cant think of too many other possible downsides.</p>
<p>I guess my point here is that you shouldnt use ED to game the system in general. You should use ED as a boost to get into your favorite college. Find the college first, then worry about whether ED is right for you. Dont start with the general concept of ED then try to find a college that offers ED and that would be acceptable/reasonable. If you dont have a favorite college, if you want to see how things pan out or if you just want to delay the decision, then avoid ED.</p>