what are the advantages of applying early?

<p>..compared to someone who applies around 3 months from now after receiving the october SAT score.
I am really confused and not sure whether to wait or apply now.
thanks for any help.</p>

<p>Early admission has a higher admissions rate, but not because ppl just randomly apply, but rather due to the more competitive nature of the pool in comparison to the regular round applicants. It is a well known fact that ppl who fall under the 2200-2400 range usually apply to ivy/top schools. They also have brilliant ecs and/or a hook that can grant them acceptance into the institute. If you possess any of the characteristics stated above, then I would suggest that you apply right away. Nevertheless, it is my strong belief that intls should apply early at least to one school. Why? Well during the reg. round, everyone applies and isn’t tied down by early binding admission/simply by their uncomplete app which they may have time to complete by reg round.</p>

<p>[Early</a> Decision - Early Action - apply to colleges, search](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Facts About Applying Early Decision or Early Action – BigFuture)</p>

<p>the link says applying in november is early.
I thought if I apply in aug-sep when the applications are out is called early !</p>

<p>can anyone correct me ?</p>

<p>anyways I will get my SAT scores by november.</p>

<p>If you don’t take SAT ON november, but receive them at that time from your October tests, then that shoves it pretty close to ED/EA deadlines. And by the way, it doesn’t matter if you finish all things 3-2 months prior to the actual deadline…unless the college determines admission on a rolling basis. Columbia has something called SEA—this program is quite early I believe b/c although I never applied to the institute I did hear from my friends that the time-bracket is advantages for admissions. But again, early at top unis can mean a tougher competition…so it will all depend on your stats.</p>

<p>@begineer: If you hope to be a candidate for Financial Aid, do not apply early. Also, don’t apply early just to ‘increase your chances’ at some random school just for its brand. </p>

<p>If your dream school offers early admission, and you feel like you’ve done justice to the application, AND you don’t need any aid, then you may want to apply early. Otherwise, don’t.</p>

<p>thanks.
so when is it advisable to apply if I wish to apply for financial aid ?</p>

<p>Regular decision. The logic of early decision is that students get the advantage of a higher acceptance rate, while colleges are able to secure some spots that are fully paid for in advance, so they have some financial security. </p>

<p>Regular decision is when they have the opportunity to have a look at the entire applicant pool, and that is when financial aid decisions are made.</p>