<p>Does ED really give an applicant boosted chances at being admitted to a top, elite-level school? An unhooked, non-recruited applicant who's stats are either borderline, middling, or qualified but not a top sell right away. Because it doesn't seem intuitive that a top school would admit and guarantee a spot for a less qualified student when there are potentially thousands or hundreds of more qualified students in the RD round. But then again, wouldn't your application receive a boost of some sort since you are applying ED and showing great interest in a school that you would legally bind yourself to attend if given the opportunity to? I am only asking these questions in regards to top 20 level schools.</p>
<p>For some schools, the extreme commitment shown through an ED application (as well as commitment to accept possibly less than optimal Fin Aid) is very attractive to colleges. The applicant gets 1) an opportunity to show this interest and 2) an early word, possibly not having to apply to other colleges and 3) a possible nod otherwise not given to RD applicants (like the borderline situation you describe)</p>
<p>These are the benefits to both parties in ED.</p>
<p>Yes, it boosts your chances, but not because of interest shown. ED is really all about yield and money. If you are applying ED (not EA), it means that you will definitely go there if accepted (increasing yield – the number of students who actually attend after being offered admission), and that you will pay tuition and other fees regardless of how much or how little financial aid they give you (increasing income to the school, and decreasing pressures on financial aid departments). Articles have been written about how wealthy students who can pay get a boost in admissions, whether that’s ethical or not, and most ED applicants are wealthy, because other students cannot commit to paying for an expensive university before comparing all financial aid and scholarship offers from a variety of places. Universities care about yield because it boosts their rankings in the US News & World Report, and they care about money because they have budgets. </p>