<p>What are the real benefits of applying early? Does it increase your chances by that much more?</p>
<p>Yes. It is the best way to demonstrate interest. Think about it this way: colleges want to admit people who will accept them (for a number of practical reasons). If you apply ED you give them a measure of security and decrease the risk they have to take by accepting you. Anyway, CU’s ED admit rate is almost double that of its RD admit rate, so definitely apply here early if you want to go here.</p>