<p>I'm thinking about applying to the Biology department, but I am conflicted on whether I should apply ED or RD (assuming that financial issues are not a problem). </p>
<p>ED because my grades are below average and this would probably give me a higher chance of acceptance,
RD because I will have a chance to improve my grades, earn more awards in addition to the ones I have, etc.</p>
<p>JHU is definitely my first choice - which one do you think would improve my chances?
And I know the info I provided here is pretty vague, so I'll be happy to post more detailed stats if need be.</p>
<p>If, as you suggest, JHU is definitely your first choice and financial aid is not a consideration, then you should apply ED. The standards for admission are the same for ED and RD. Statistically, a significanly higher percentage of ED applicants are admitted than RD applicants but that is a function of the much higher number of RD applications and the strong applicant pool for ED. So if indeed your grades are “below average” (whatever it is that you mean by that), your chances for being admitted without some hook (e.g., good athlete, minority, etc.) may not be great regardless of when you apply but, if you apply ED, at least the admissions office will be aware that JHU truly is your first choice which is always a plus. Also, you might get two bites at the admissions apple if you get deferred in the ED round to the RD round. In any event, under the circumstances you described, there would be no upside to applying RD. If you don’t get admitted ED but the admissions office believes there is a chance you might be admitted RD, you will get deferred to the RD round anyway.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input! I’m also leaning towards ED, but I’m afraid of getting rejected right then and there and therefore having no chance at the regular applicant pool…</p>
<p>That shouldn’t be a concern. You would only get declined during ED if the committee believes you also would not be admitted RD.</p>