<p>You apply early because you have decided that this one college or university is definitely the one you want to attend. Frankly, most students early in their Senior year do not really know this for sure – and those who are sure often grow up a good deal more and end up changing their minds.</p>
<p>In fact, ED programs are designed primarily to benefit the colleges, not the students who once they are admitted are locked into going to that school (not legally, but morally since they promised). Colleges like ED programs because they allow them to grab the best students and hold them hostage, if you will.</p>
<p>It has always seemed to me that this is not a good approach for students, and that continuing to consider a lot of colleges right up to April 1st works much better for most students. My own daughter was “positive” she wanted to go to Middlebury, but at the end she decided that – on second thought – she just loved Colgate a lot more. But, she didn’t know that until she had thought about it for months and months. </p>
<p>I’d do regular admission and apply to a lot of schools. You’ll get into a few, and then YOU are in the driver’s seat and get to tell THEM which college you will attend. Now, that’s a good feeling!</p>