<p>Does anyone have the ED stats for the class of 2011? Also, does there appear to be a definite advantage in applying ED or is it worth it to go RD even if Rice is one's top choice?</p>
<p>If financial need is not a consideration, it makes sense to go ED. They have good financial aid, and offer merit scholarships to people regardless of whether they are ED or RD, so if Rice is your top choice, it makes sense to apply ED. If not, wait and apply RD.</p>
<p>I disagree. My child had perfect grades and almost perfect SATs and AP scores, great recs and some outstanding awards. She applied ED, was accepted, but received NO merit money. Friends at same high school with almost the same class rank, grades and scores who applied interim decision (which I think is no longer available) received merit offers. There were almost no differences between my child and these students. In fact, an admissions officer sent an email to my D saying that her essay was the best essay she had read all year. So - the only explanation is that applying early reduces one's chances of receiving merit aid. My advice: if you think you have a good chance of being accepted, DON'T apply early.</p>
<p>Earning merit aid is not something I care about. I'd rather see someone who actually needs the aid to afford college get it. I'm worried about having a little edge by applying ED, and then knowing where I'm going in December instead of slaving over a bunch of other apps and then waiting until April.
I agree that ID would have been ideal, but that is no longer an option, and that is why I am on the fence.</p>
<p>As long as merit aid isn't an issue, then applying early probably does give you a slight edge. It's also a huge relief to be done with the whole application process. Just be sure to make an overnight visit to Rice in the fall so that you can be sure that it's what you want. When April arrived many of my D's friends started changing their minds about where they wanted to go to school.</p>