<p>One of my dream schools is Boston University and BU has early decision. Would it be smarter for me to apply there? I would jump at the opportunity to go but I would hate to have a better college accept me and then be forced to go to BU. If I can be reasonably certain that I will get in, then I will apply there.</p>
<p>I would only ED if you’re applying to a school where if accepted, you just throw away anything else from any other schools you might get because you love it that much. According to College Board - 897 kids applied ED last year, and 395 were admitted - ~44% admit rate. During the RD round, 41,802 applied, and 20,662 were admitted - ~49% admit rate. So actually, specifically to BU, you’ve got a better chance NOT applying ED statistically speaking.</p>