Considering Early Decision vs. Regular Decision at Cornell

I'm thinking about applying to Cornell. Does applying early decision provide a substantial advantage over regular decision? I'm weighing my options and any insights about the benefits or drawbacks would be appreciated.

Applying Early Decision (ED) to any institution, including Cornell, can potentially give you a slight advantage. On average, the ED acceptance rate can be higher compared to Regular Decision (RD). However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it's 'easier' to get in through ED, as these applicant pools can often be self-selective, attracting highly qualified candidates who have clear interests in attending the institution.

One benefit of applying ED is that you'll receive a decision earlier. If accepted, you'll be able to secure your college choice earlier in your senior year, which could relieve a great deal of stress. It also demonstrates strong interest to the college as commitment to attend if accepted is part of the ED agreement, which colleges like.

On the flip side, applying ED does have its drawbacks. First off, the ED agreement is binding, meaning that if you're accepted, you're committed to enroll, given that your financial aid package is manageable. This might limit your ability to compare financial aid offers from different schools.

But remember, if you do get accepted ED but the financial aid package isn't sufficient, it is possible to back out of the ED agreement. To avoid surprises, though, you could run net price calculations beforehand to see what you might expect in terms of financial aid.

Also, keep in mind the time constraint. The ED deadline is typically earlier, so you'll need to ensure your application, essays, and other materials are ready in time.

Bear in mind to apply ED only if you're sure Cornell is your top choice and if you're ready to commit upon acceptance. It's important to weigh the peace of mind it can bring against the lack of ability to compare offers from other institutions, leaving you with a decision that is individual and different for every student.