Hi I was wondering would I be at a disadvantage applying EA vs ED to U Chicago ? I want to make sure the financial package is right before I proceed with a school. This is the first year U Chicago has ED so no statistics are out
ED typically has a higher admit rate than EA. Although, since it’s the first year they have ED, only UChicago can tell you what the difference is. Also, when applying ED, you are bound to go, so if you are considering FA you are better off with EA.
I’d suggest asking them to change your application type if you haven’t. But there’s an expression: “measure twice, cut once”.
Chicago considers “level of applicant’s interest” in admissions, so presumably binding ED helps in that aspect. However, you give up the opportunity to compare financial aid, scholarships, and net price to that offered by other schools, if admitted.
Also, since scholarships exist to lure students who are attractive to the school, a school may not want to use them on ED applicants who have already declared that they do not need to be lured.