How do schools handle Early Decision vs Regular Decision?

I'm curious if colleges take into account whether you applied Early Decision when they are reviewing Regular Decision applications. Does having applied early affect your application at all in the regular round?

Colleges generally consider Early Decision and Regular Decision applications separately. When you apply Early Decision, it means that you promise to enroll at that school if you're accepted, barring any significant financial aid issues. Applying Early Decision can demonstrate your commitment to the school and it may give your application a small boost in that admissions round.

If you're deferred in the Early Decision round, your application is then reconsidered with the pool of Regular Decision applicants. At this stage, the fact that you previously applied Early Decision typically won't have a significant impact on your application's evaluation.

Here's an example: Let’s assume you applied Early Decision to Brown and were deferred. In the Regular Decision round, your application would be reviewed alongside others who never applied Early Decision. Brown's admissions officers would then consider your application holistically based on criteria like your academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendations. The fact that you initially applied Early Decision would be less relevant.

While it might be a disappointment to be deferred from your top choice school, it's important to remember that the process isn't over yet. There are still chances for getting accepted in the Regular Decision round, especially if you continue to demonstrate your interest and keep your grades up through senior year.