Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior and I'm trying to figure out if I should apply early to some of my favorite colleges. I've heard a lot about Early Decision and Early Action, but I'm still unsure about the pros and cons of committing early. Does it really boost your chances, and are there any downsides I should consider before going this route? If anyone has personal experiences or advice, I’d love to hear it too. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! You're asking some very important questions. When it comes to applying early, there are indeed some definite advantages, as well as some noteworthy considerations to bear in mind.
Let's go over some of the key positives first. Applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) can boost your chances of admission, even when controlling for profile strength. On average, applying ED results in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools. The benefit tends to become less pronounced the less selective the school is. For example, if your chances before choosing to apply early were 4%, ED could bump your chances up to 6.4%, which can be a significant increase. EA also boosts your chances, but the impact is smaller, as you're not obligated to attend if accepted and the school doesn't get yield benefits.
Now, let's talk about potential downsides. One of the biggest is that ED is binding, meaning that if you're accepted, you're committed to attend, barring extreme financial hardship. So, before deciding to apply ED, you must be absolutely sure that the school in question is your top choice and that it's a good fit both academically and socially. You should also consider financial implications. While you can back out of an ED agreement if the financial aid package is not sufficient, it is recommended to use the school's net price calculator before applying to get an idea of the financial aid package.
With EA, the downside is that you'll need to have your application ready much earlier, which can be stressful. However, the benefit is that you'll hear back around December, well before the Regular Decision (RD) timelines, which can ease some anxiety.
Remember that every student's situation is unique. You should weigh these pros and cons in light of your own circumstances and goals. Good luck as you navigate this process!
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