ED vs. RD

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>I'm applying RD to Duke, but I wanted to clarify some things regarding this RD vs. ED thing.</p>

<ol>
<li>If you get in ED, you'd get in RD and vice versa</li>
<li>The boost is generally for legacies</li>
<li>Acceptance rates are higher b/c of athletes, legacies, etc. If you take the unhooked acceptance rate of ED applicants, it'll be equal to the RD acceptance rate for unhooked candidates.</li>
<li>A lot of people apply to Duke on a whim during RD (they are not necessarily genuinely interested)</li>
</ol>

<p>Duke is one of my top choices (however, I wouldn't mind going to other places as well). I'm applying RD because I do think the extra time for essays, and senior yr grades will make my application better. So is going RD alright?</p>

2

<p>Pretty much. I’m guessing the acceptance rates would be about the same for unhooked ED vs unhooked RD, maybe ED would be just a tad higher, but overall I bet they are similar. Going RD is fine if you want that extra time fir you application, and maybe even better as you get two more months to work on it all.</p>

3

<p>I’m applying ED simply because:

  1. Duke is my top choice, academics, location, majors.
  2. If I get in (AHHHH!!!) then second semester will be much less stressful and I can focus on school work.
  3. Honestly, I don’t feel as though my essays would be better, more like most people just end up procrastinating later.
  4. No issues financial-wise.</p>

<p>There are always the pros and cons to every argument.</p>

4

<p>Trust me, the admit rate even for an unhooked applicant is significantly higher for ED than RD. By all means apply to Duke ED if you think it’s your top choice.</p>

5

<p>@mathematicism: I would, but in addition to the stuff I described above, I have parental conflicts and some financial hassle. I guess I’m trying assure myself that I still have a shot during RD</p>

6

<p>You probably do. ED helps a little, but if you are a solid applicant you’ll get a good look too.</p>

7

<p>

</p>

<p>From: [Duke</a> University Admissions: How to Apply](<a href=“http://www.admissions.duke.edu/jump/applying/apply_RD-ED.html]Duke”>http://www.admissions.duke.edu/jump/applying/apply_RD-ED.html)</p>

<p>Take that for what you will, but that is from the Duke admissions site.</p>

8

<p>I toured Duke a few weeks back, and really, you’re third point about athletes and legacies is true. For unhooked students, the difference is minimal.</p>

9

<p>At any rate, it ideally should not hinder your chances either. It is mainly for people who want an acceptance by Christmas (the thought of wearing a Duke sweatshirt to the family Christmas party, and knowing that it will soon be YOUR school, does sound quite appealing…)</p>