Will applying Early Decision really increase my chances?

I have heard that applying Early Decision can help your odds of getting accepted, but is that true? If I apply ED to my top-choice school (which is a little more selective than my other options), will my chances of getting in actually improve? I'm a little worried about the 'binding' part of Early Decision, so I want to know if it's really worth it.

Hello! Yes, applying Early Decision can, in fact, improve your chances of getting into your top-choice school. Colleges generally have a higher acceptance rate for ED applicants compared to their Regular Decision pool. This is because schools aim to fill a portion of their incoming class with committed students early in the admissions cycle.

However, it's important to consider the binding aspect of Early Decision. If you are accepted, you are expected to enroll unless there is a significant financial concern. Make sure you're ready to commit to that school financially and you have thoroughly researched all aspects of the institution.

Do some research on your top-choice school, and if you feel confident that it’s the right place for you, then applying ED could be a good strategic move in the college admissions process. For example, my child applied ED to their top-choice college and was accepted, which eased their stress during senior year. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.