I'm trying to decide between applying early decision or regular decision. What are the main pros and cons of each? I'm a bit worried about limiting my options with early decision but also want to maximize my chances.
There are indeed pros and cons to both Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD).
Let's start with Early Decision. The primary advantage is that it can increase your chances of being admitted. On average, applying ED results in a 1.6x, or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools. If you have a top choice school that you are absolutely committed to attending, ED can be a smart choice.
However, ED applications are binding, meaning that if you're admitted, you commit to enrolling at the school and will therefore withdraw all other applications. This could limit your ability to compare financial aid offers from different schools. Therefore, before applying ED, it's crucial to use the net price calculator for the respective school to ensure that you can afford it. Fortunately, if you receive an inadequate financial aid award, it is possible to back out of the ED agreement, but this is a bit of a gray area.
Then there's Regular Decision. The main advantage is flexibility - you can apply to as many schools as you'd like and have the ability to compare the different campuses, programs, and financial aid packages before making a decision. This can be especially beneficial for students who need robust financial aid packages or who don't have a clear first-choice school.
However, RD does not bring the same boost to your admission chances like ED does and the acceptance rates tend to be lower due to the increased number of applicants.
In conclusion, the choice between ED and RD will largely depend on personal circumstances and preferences. If you have a clear first-choice school and are confident you can afford it, ED might be the way to go. But if you're uncertain about where you want to attend or your ability to afford it, RD may be safer.
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