<p>Why do so many unsure students ask if they should apply ED?</p>
<p>Isn't it obvious that one should only apply ED to a school that is one's clear first choice, and there is no need to compare financial aid and scholarships with those of any other school?</p>
<p>I agree that ED should be used only when there is a clear top choice. If that is not the case, if a student’s top choice is EA or rolling, or if finances are an issue then the wise move is to skip ED. </p>
<p>That said, there is a ton of pressure on students to get into the best school possible – and for some schools ED gives students an advantage in terms of admission that they feel they need to take advantage of (even if it doesn’t quite make sense). Other students feel pressure to get done with the college admission process ASAP and ED gives them a chance to be settled by December.</p>
<p>What’s worth more, a bird in the hand, or two in the bush?</p>
<p>ED can be a really tough decision, but I see your point about why asking other people wouldn’t help. It’s difficult committing yourself to just one school, especially if you were thinking about reach schools as possibilities. I myself am personally torn at the moment between applying early decision to a school that I believe falls squarely within my academic qualifications or applying early action to two or three reach schools instead, thus increasing my chances there. It can really be a tough call, but there really isn’t any solution to the question; it’s just: would you rather have a very good shot at a good school or a slightly improved chance at a great school?</p>
<p>I think a lot of people see the admissions statistics for Early Decision vs. Regular Decision and don’t make the connection that correlation does not imply causation. While it’s true ED acceptance rates are higher overall, many recruited athletes, legacies, and those with other major hooks apply ED. I would say for many schools, there’s no reason to believe applying early affects YOUR personal chances to gain admission in the same way it affects the average admissions percentage.</p>
<p>As far as I can tell, the ONLY advantage ED really provides in terms of admissions is that it demonstrates a high level of interest - something that hopefully is already shown on other parts of the application. It may be advantageous to apply ED, then, to a school that strongly considers demonstrated interest, is your first choice, and you are certain will be affordable. Otherwise, I think people place far more importance on ED/EA than is really necessary.</p>
<p>Note: the above post constitutes my personal opinion and should not be regarded as absolutely factual.</p>