<p>If you’re not sure, don’t apply ED. However, kids with your profile will often benefit from an ED application to an LAC. They are going to take a certain number that look a lot like you on paper (full pay, competitive HS in area they get lots of apps from…) and applying ahead of the crowd helps. Many are holding out for ivies and many will end up not an an ivy or top LAC where an ED application may well have got them in the door.</p>
<p>Not trying to convince you, just a general strategy comment. I think the kids who are not sure they could be happy and not wonder ‘what if’ should wait.</p>
<p>My daughter loved Amherst with similar stats to yours. Decided not to ED and didn’t get in RD while a classmate with lower stats did ED.</p>
<p>My son watched this and with the help of a good counselor decided not to hold out for Princeton and applied ED to Dartmouth where he’s beyond happy. YMMV.</p>