<p>I know all colleges say that as the official line, but I don’t really believe it. Colleges have to take into account how many acceptees end up matriculating – EA/ED applicants clearly mark that insititution as their first choice (or at least one of the top choices).</p>
<p>I know for sure though that Columbia, at least, openly states that it IS easier to be admitted as an ED applicant than an RD applicant. I’m sure they have their own reasons for that… couldn’t even hazard a guess… but that’s what a Columbia rep told my school when she visited last April.</p>