I’m trying to figure out a problem that I’m sure a lot of you have dealt with before. I don’t have a particularly good shot at my first choice school, it’s not a definite no- but the likelihood is not in my favor. I really love my second and third choice schools, as well, and while I’m not fully confident I’ll get into either, there is a much greater chance. Everyone always talks about the advantage of applying ED and I’m starting to wonder if it might be more practical to apply ED to my second choice, since the advantage might actually be of help in that case, whereas if I apply ED to my first choice it may not make a difference? But, that would mean closing the door on my first choice, really.
Anyone who has been in this position - what did you do? Or anyone who wants to chime in- what would you do?
Apply where you want to truly go for your top ED choice. If you don’t get in, no regrets, if you do, you’re done. I’ve never been one to strategize though, so take my opinion more in line with following one’s heart and living wtih no regrets as ‘what is meant to be will be.’
Because many schools have the same general deadline, you have to figure out how to best use that bullet.
ED is best used where it has the most value in terms of outcome.
If #1 and #2 are close calls for you in terms of preference then look at it that way.
I don’t see any value in applying to an ultra long shot ED when other choices that you like have an ED benefit.
My son had this dilemma, and first quarter grades made him be sure about his “second choice” so he applied ED.
Also look for EA at schools that you might like.
He decided to apply to one school ED and a few EA. ED accepted him and it was easy for him to give up on his former “first choice”.
But honestly, students need to remember that if they would be a “longshot” at a school, it is doubtful that they would do well at the school. Take that into account if your stats are well below average (25th percentile especially, but even below 50th percentile).
You also should consider researching whether ED is truly an advantage at your second choice school; it’s a disadvantage at some schools (like UMich was this year 
).
I would go ED with the #2 school since you like it so much. It sounds like the #1 school is likely out of your reach in any case and your #2 is much more likely ED than RD.
if you go for a long shot #1 you might give up your best chance at #2.
@rhandco Michigan has EA, not ED and it certainly was not a disadvantage to those that missed that EA deadline.
Exactly how much of a long-shot are we talking here? Are we in lottery-land, then don’t waste your best shot. If you are talking about a reach where you have a decent chance, then take it.
Sorry, I meant EA for UMich.
If the first choice is an Ivy, especially a HYP Ivy or Stanford or MIT, even if your stats are perfect it is a reach.
But if your stats are perfect and your second choice is not Ivy or top elite, might as well wait for RD.
What would I do?
I’d look at other factors - which is more geographically favorable, which has a “better campus” in terms of various factors, which is more generous with aid on average, which has the level of diversity you want, which has the major you want, which has the breadth of courses you want…
Geography and just plain “how far from home” can be major factors in ties. Also kicking yourself if you get into #2 ED and realize you wanted to try for #1 could be a factor - would you be okay with that?
@n’s mom- the first choice is an Ivy. Definitely a higher reach. I’m around their usual stats, but I don’t have anything outstanding, so it’s not hopelessly impossible, just very improbable.
Thanks for everyone’s opinions so far! I really appreciate the guidance. I think I’m leaning towards just applying to my second choice ED and not risk losing my chance at getting into at least one of the two.