Are regular decision applicants less likely to be admitted?

I've heard that applying regular decision could mean lower acceptance rates compared to early decision. Is this true across the board, or does it vary a lot between different colleges?

It's important to consider that acceptance rates can indeed vary quite a bit between Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) admission pools, but it's also contingent on individual college policies and procedures.

On average, applying ED does tend to boost your chances, potentially resulting in about a 60% increase (or 1.6x) in your chances of admission at super selective schools, even when controlling for profile strength. So if your chances in the regular pool were let's say 4%, choosing to apply early could bump them to 6.4%. But this is an only average number and will certainly look different at every college.

However, applying ED also comes with the agreement that you'll attend if accepted, which isn't the case with RD. This is why Early Decision might be beneficial if you are completely sure about your first choice college and your family has discussed finances and affordability. Demonstrating this level of commitment can make your application more enticing, which can indirectly influence your chances.

But it's important not to just look at these figures. In many cases, Early Decision pools may contain more applicants who are recruited athletes or legacies, which can also make the acceptance rate seem higher. Applying regular decision does not mean you won't get in, and you should choose the application process that works best for your circumstances and peace of mind.

Just remember: regardless of when you apply, the most crucial part of the process is presenting the most authentic and strong representation of yourself in your application.