Thoughts on RD Apply?

I'm weighing my options between applying early and regular decision (RD) for college. I understand that RD deadlines are usually later, but I'm curious if applying RD affects my chance of admission compared to applying early. Are there any strategies I should be aware of when deciding between early and regular decision applications? I'd love to hear from anyone who's been through this!

Decision timing definitely impacts the admissions process and there are a few factors you should consider when deciding between early and regular decision.

First, applying early can indeed have benefits, and these generally manifest as higher acceptance rates for Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) applicants. On average, applying ED can result in a nearly 1.6x increase in your chances of admission at highly selective schools. Do keep in mind, this boost is usually less significant at less selective institutions.

Second, if a school is your absolute top choice and you're certain you'd attend if accepted, applying ED can signal that commitment to the institution. However, it's crucial to confirm that you have adequate financial aid from the school to which you're applying ED by using their net price calculator. While need-blind schools like Vanderbilt meet 100% demonstrated need, be aware that not all ED schools do so.

Finally, one major advantage of Regular Decision (RD) is that it allows you more time to work on your application. This can be highly beneficial if you plan on heavily revising your college essays or if you want to include fall semester grades or new accomplishments.

In summary, both options have their pros and cons. It ultimately comes down to your circumstances, how ready your application is, and how clear you are about your top-choice school. If you're sure about your first-choice school and your application is solid, applying early may boost your chances. If you need more time to polish your application or are debating among several schools, applying RD might be the better fit.