Cornell Early Decision vs Regular Decision Benefits?

I'm considering applying to Cornell, but I'm torn between Early Decision and Regular Decision. What are the main benefits of choosing Early Decision over Regular Decision at Cornell?

When weighing the decision between Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) at Cornell, there are several factors to consider.

1. Admissions Advantage: Cornell, like many other universities, tends to have a higher acceptance rate for ED versus RD. The reason is twofold: ED applicants, by committing to attend if accepted, demonstrate a high level of interest in the university, and Cornell can secure a portion of its incoming class early in the admissions season. It's worth noting the overall test scores and GPAs of ED applicants may be lower than those who apply for RD, but they might offer other impressive attributes that qualify them to be part of Cornell's diverse community.

2. Early Notification: Applying ED provides the benefit of receiving a decision by mid-December, rather than waiting until late March or early April when RD applicants are notified. This can provide peace of mind and reduce the stress of the college application process.

3. Financial considerations: If you're granted admission through ED, you're obligated to attend, unless the financial aid award is insufficient. Before applying for ED, it's crucial to use Cornell's Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of potential financial aid. Bear in mind that since ED is binding, you won't be able to compare financial aid offers from other institutions.

However, if financial aid is a major decision factor for you, you might want to apply RD instead, allowing you the freedom to compare financial aid packages among schools you were admitted.

Additionally, it's essential to know that admission to Cornell is need-blind for US citizens and permanent residents, but need-aware for international students, so your circumstance can also play a role in your decision on whether to apply ED or RD.

So overall, the main benefits of choosing Early Decision at Cornell are a potential admissions advantage, early notification of your acceptance, and demonstrating your robust interest in the school. But it's also crucial to consider your financial situation and whether you're 100% sure that Cornell is your first-choice school.