<p>When should one consider using ED? I have low SAT scores and people recommend that I do not use ED in the hopes that I'll have my SAT scores up before I apply, but I have great EC's. So when should I use/not use ED?</p>
<p>When you really, really want to get into a certain college.</p>
<p>Are there any advantages/disadvantages though? And what if my SAT scores are low? Should I still use it?</p>
<p>Only if you're relying on merit money, because if your SAT scores prevent you from getting the kind of merit scholarships you need to pay for the school, then you're in a bit of trouble because you're essentially stuck.</p>
<p>Use ED when you are 100% certain that a college is your dream school and your parents are willling to pay for it without financial aid. If there's any chance that you'd be willing to go elsewhere if you knew you could get in elsewhere and if there's any chance that your parents can't or won't pay the full cost of the university, then don't apply ED.</p>
<p>"Are there any advantages/disadvantages though? And what if my SAT scores are low? Should I still use it?"</p>
<p>If your SAT scores are admittedly low, going the ED route will not help you. Applying ED is intended for students who know absolutely, positively that College X is far and away the No. 1 school on their list. Applying with comparatively lower academic measures than other students will not aid in your acceptance. Assume you are the Admissions Director, and you see an applicant with SAT scores well below the established testing benchmarks of that school, would you be inclined to accept that applicant just because s/he is interested in attending? The sad reality is that they REJECT students applying ED as well as ACCEPTING them.</p>
<p>If you cannot boost your academic numbers to be competitive, then consider other schools. There are many fine colleges/universities -- don't feel that you MUST attend a highly selective school. Look carefully at your interests and the kind of college experience you would like, then search for a range of schools that might satisfy your requirements.</p>