Should I apply Early?

[shawdzad]

<p>I just visited campus this week and absolutely loved it. I also got the chance to interview which I think went pretty well. I am thinking of applying Early Decision. WashU is probably my number one choice but I don't want to tie myself down in case another school gives me better financial aid. However, I don't want to blow my chances of getting in by not applying early. My other top choices are Duke, Stanford, and Emory but I think the chances of getting into the first two are pretty slim. I want to maximize my chances of getting into WashU since I feel like I have more realistic shot not to mention I like it probably just as much as the other schools.</p>

<p>Anyway, here are my stats:</p>

<p>SAT: 800 writing, 770 math, 710 reading (2280 overall, all one sitting)
SAT Subject Tests: World History (750) Biology (taking in December) </p>

<p>GPA: 3.89 (unweighted), 4.26 (weighted)
I've gotten 4 B's total and will have 8 APs and the rest honors</p>

<p>Rank: about 42/660 but I'm just putting top 10% (pretty competitive public high school)</p>

<p>EC's:
Varsity and Club Soccer
Violin lessons for about 10 years and my school's top orchestra
BBYO (Jewish Youth Organization), member of executive board and other leadership positions
Some other school clubs/leadership</p>

<p>Essays and Recs are pretty good but probably won't make my application extraordinary.</p>

<p>I would love any feedback on what are my chances of getting in and how much applying ED will help me.</p>

[jheono]

<p>You and I are quite close, though I’m a bit heavier on rigor and extracurriculars. Apparently I’m a high match/low reach, so it’s the same for you as well.</p>

[foursite]

<p>The Common App and Universal App ED forms for Wash U have text that mentions an out from the commitment if the financial aid award is not sufficient for you to attend Wash U. The ED form that the school itself provides makes no mention of that. Wash U says they will accept either form. Guide yourself accordingly.</p>