ED vs. RD for better chance at merit at Emory?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Emory University
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My D22 is really leaning toward Emory being her first choice when applying this fall. We have read that the acceptance rates in ED1 and ED2 rounds are much higher than RD.

But she is a high-stats student, and might have a shot at getting merit aid – the full-ride Woodruff would be a dream. The deadline to be considered is Nov 15, so she’ll definitely apply before then in hopes of being considered.

Is there any strategic difference in applying ED vs. RD if hoping for a merit scholarship?

It seems like the school would be less inclined to offer merit to ED applicants, because they already have them in pocket – whereas a merit scholarship would be a great carrot to dangle in front of strong RD applicants, right?

Or is that hubris? It’s such a reach school that just admission – never mind merit – is dicey, so would D22 be better off applying ED if that’s where she really wants to go?

We won’t qualify for financial aid, and we’re okay with paying in full if necessary. But it sure would be nice to compare some merit offers from other schools, particularly those that offer EA (Furman, Rhodes).

There’s no way to do that and still apply ED to Emory, right? In that case, she’d have to apply RD?

I guess I’m looking for the comparison of benefit/risk with ED/RD with regards to merit, especially the Woodruff Scholars program.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

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Right.

If Emory is the clear top choice and you can afford it, that’s the primary reason for applying ED.

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If you are serious about seeking merit aid, do not do ED. The school will have no incentive to offer your dd merit because, by applying ED, you are basically telling them you are prepared to enroll no matter what. They don’t have to do anything except admit you and they know that you have already committed to attend. The big scholarships are extremely competitive at a school like Emory. My D21 applied this year and in her rejection letter, Emory said that 13,000 students applied. Out of that, 175-200 students are actually selected (that includes not just Woodruff but all of the other merit scholarships). That is a 1.5% chance. If you do not need merit to attend Emory and by the fall, Emory is still her top choice, apply ED.

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Your D will need more than just high stats to get a Woodruff scholarship. Everyone has high stats. I suggest you look at the profiles of past scholars to get an idea of what your D needs to be considered. If Emory is really her first choice, apply ED.