I noticed a particular school had an ED acceptance rate lower than their RD rate. Unusual?

Does anyone know why this would be the case? Thanks. The school was SMU, by the way.

Maybe they give a lot of merit aid and are hoping to attract high stats students in the RD round. No idea though.

I think SMU has both ED and EA so maybe the stats combine the two? In my experience there tends to be a lot of deferrals under an EA plan. But I’m just guessing.

I think there is no reason to apply to SMU ED unless you are marginal so they may attract applicants with ED who are using ED to hopefully get in when they wouldn’t otherwise. SMU does offer great merit and ED isn’t required to apply.

Thanks, everyone!

might be people who are on the cusp are trying to go ed to tell counselors they are committed. Thus, they have lower scores and GPA’s. Then because of their low scores many are rejected. Only thing I can think of.