Should I apply early decision even if I'll be stronger in the regular pool?

<p>I need to take one more SAT Subject test, but I could just take it in November and send it then. My question is should I apply early decision, or should I apply regular and take the test in December (to get more time to study and to possibly take the SAT a third time in November instead of the subject test in November)? My friend said if I am sure about the college, I should apply early decision because it only increases your chances. </p>

<p>Oh god, no one seems to know lol… anyone???</p>

<p>It is my impression that applying ED does increase your chances. If the finances work and it is your top school, it is reasonable to apply ED. If you are working on buffing up test scores and first grades, you might wait to strengthen your application and apply RD. If your GPA is great and you have some great test scores, try ED.</p>

<p>Conventional wisdom is to put your best foot forward. It is not at all certain that one’s chances are better ED- it may be that applicants’ self-selection makes all of the difference. If you are rejected ED, you will wish you had waited and submitted a clean application RD. If you are wait listed, why not have a clean application first time through RD, instead of making alterations and additions? And if you are accepted to Columbia ED with a so-so set of scores, congratulations!! You have just experienced in a very unlikely event!</p>

<p>but I’m not sure how much I can improve my SAT score by retaking it… and I’m not sure if my SAT score is acceptable as it is because I’m waiting for the October results to see how much I improved lol… ugh I hate the college application process. So complicated. So annoying.</p>

<p>And 5% or something like that get in for regular decision, and with my school’s reputation of sending students there (1 person in the past decade that I know of) I don’t think I’ll stand a chance </p>