Does applying Early Decision really increase my chances?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I have a dream college that I would love to attend. I've heard that applying Early Decision can increase my chances of getting in, but I'm not sure if that's true or just a myth. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks so much!

Hey there! It's great to have a dream college in mind already. As for your question, applying Early Decision (ED) can indeed increase your chances of getting into a college, but the extent of this advantage varies depending on the school and applicant pool. Colleges generally appreciate the commitment students demonstrate by applying ED, as it shows a strong interest in attending that specific institution. This can lead to higher acceptance rates for ED applicants compared to those in the Regular Decision (RD) pool. Keep in mind, though, that the ED applicant pool may also be more competitive, as many highly motivated students choose to apply early. Additionally, some schools prioritize filling a certain percentage of their incoming class through ED, which can also lead to increased chances of acceptance. However, it's crucial to remember that applying ED is a binding commitment, meaning that if you're accepted, you're expected to attend that college and withdraw all other applications. This is why it's important to only apply ED to a school you're absolutely certain you want to attend and can afford. I hope this helps clarify things, and best of luck with your college application journey!