Cornell Early Decision vs Regular Decision: What's the difference?

I'm torn between applying early decision or regular decision to Cornell University. Can somebody explain the differences between the two options and how they might affect my chances of getting in?

Sure, happy to clarify! The primary difference between Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) at Cornell lies in the contract and the timeline.

For Early Decision, you are making a binding agreement that if you are admitted, you will definitely attend the institution. You can only apply Early Decision to one university. This shows the college that it's your first choice and you're committed to attend if accepted.

In contrast, Regular Decision is non-binding. You can apply to many universities under this option and, if accepted, you have until May 1st to decide which offer to accept.

In terms of timeline, Early Decision has an earlier application deadline, typically in November, and you would receive a decision in mid-December. Regular Decision has a later deadline, typically in January, and you would get your decision by April 1st.

Now, let's talk about how this might affect your chances of getting in. Statistically speaking, applicants who apply ED generally have a slightly higher acceptance rate than those applying RD. Note, this should not be interpreted as ED being "easier." In the ED pool, you have a higher concentration of very strong applicants, including legacy students and recruited athletes, which can skew the acceptance rate.

So, if Cornell is your absolute first choice, and you feel ready to submit your strongest application in the fall, Early Decision could be a good option. But if you would like more time to improve your application, or if you'd like to compare financial aid offers from multiple colleges, Regular Decision may be a better fit for you. It's definitely a decision you should weigh carefully, considering both your academic preparedness and financial situation.