<p>Obviously, you get results much earlier and this removes any stress that you may experience during the first few months of the new year, provided you are accepted. </p>
<p>However, are the higher acceptance rates merely a result of an increased number of high-quality applications or an actual reflection of a lowered standard? Perhaps admissions officers will also be more likely to enjoy an essay if it is number 10 of admissions season rather than number 772? Can anybody shed light on this subject? </p>
<p>There is also the possibility of raising grades and SAT scores, but this doesn't really apply to me. My school's first trimester ends in november, around the time most EA deadlines, so sending a midyear report will be no problem whether it is RD or EA. I will also take one subject exam in November, but U Chicago and most other schools accept November SATs.</p>
<p>At some schools there are higher admit rates, probably due to recruited athletes applying.</p>
<p>There are never reduced standards, but there is less possibility that qualified candidates will be rejected because they’re running out of space. If you’re on the low end of qualifying, I’m sure they’d rather give it to an early applicant over a late one.</p>
<p>@MrMom62 This is basically saying that yes, the likelihood of getting in is higher if you apply EA.</p>
<p>Also, sometimes, scholarship funds are more likely to go out to early applicants.</p>
<p>Basically, there are no drawbacks, only upside, so you might as well apply EA to schools.</p>
<p>Yes, your chances are increased, but that doesn’t mean they lower their standards to let more people in. Except for athletes.</p>
<p>There is no admission chance boost when applying EA. That being said, the only reasons why you shouldn’t do as many EA apps as possible are that you are applying to a restrictive program (ED or REA), or that you need to rely on grades from the first half of senior year. The early notification helps you relax, and also limits the number of RD apps you will have to send in.</p>
<p>REA allows more EA apps. SCEA does not.</p>