<p>If I apply ED for Hopkins, will that really help my chances?</p>
<p>Simply put: Yes. Smaller pool of applicants, shows higher level of interest, etc. That being said, its about whether you feel Hopkins fits you perfectly. If yes, then apply ED, if there is a school with a better fit, go with that. For, if you are accepted, you (most likely) will not have the chance to try elsewhere.</p>
<p>I disagree about the smaller pool - yes, it is smaller but it is also full of a self-selected set of students who are likely to be more qualified. The one main advantage is in telling JHU that you are interested enough to say you WILL go there if they accept you - that a better offer somewhere else won’t make you change your mind.</p>
<p>If you know for certain you want to go to JHU, and that you can afford JHU (you won’t get to compare financial aid packages with anyone else), go ahead. If you’re not 100% sure, or you don’t know if you can afford to pay whatever they come up with as your family contribution, hold off and apply RD.</p>