<p>I'm considering applying Early decision to a school because it really is my first choice. However I'm not an elite student so I'm worried that the ED applicant pool might be more competitive because this is a competitive school. Money is a slight concern but the school meets 100% demonstrated need for admitted students. Any reasons why I shouldn't apply ED?</p>
<p>In my opinion, applying ED is a real double-edged sword. Reasons for applying ED include: better chance for acceptance, relatively less applications and if accepted--easier senior year, </p>
<p>Given this why not apply? Well, as is frequently mentioned, financial aid offers may not be as good at some schools, and you cant compare. In addition, the way the deadlines for schools work, you may have to apply to more than one school anyway. For instance, the UC system deadline is Nov 30, and Stanford "prefers applications by Dec 1". </p>
<p>Also, it can be quite demoralizing in the middle of a demanding senior year to be deferred or rejected from your top choice. The ED and SCEA decisions seemed quite random at our local high school with well-rounded valedictorians and top ranked students not getting into Ivies, while others were accepted--same story for Stanford and Duke. In addition, once deferred, it is difficult to find the statistics for acceptance, but my hunch is they are rather low.</p>
<p>In the end, those with a good result (accepted) are ecstatic, while those with a bad result (deferred or even worse rejected) must lick their wounds and shoulder on through the end of first semester, because those senior grades really really matter now. Then there's the interminable wait until April.</p>
<p>After watching several cycles of this, Ive come to the opinion that ED and SCEA programs should really come up with some kind of consent form that explains both the BENEFITS and RISKS of these programs to students and parents.</p>
<p>100% of demonstrated need is pretty arbitrary. What you feel is demonstrated need may not be as much as the college does. You are also giving up the chance to compare aid from various schools. I am not saying you shouldn't go ED if your heart is set on it but you should bear in mind the two items I mention..</p>