^ The reach schools get reachier due to application numbers and the shifting mix of admits in the early round. UChicago in particular is targeting very specific groups as part of the Empower Initiative and encouraging them to apply ED. With the automatic - and generous - aid package available to them, there may be no need to price-shop elsewhere; ED becomes an attractive option if they are keen to attend UChicago. I met some of those admits last year at the April Overnight and they had all applied ED. That will naturally make the ED pool even more competitive than it has been. We are used to seeing ED1 at UChicago as primarily for the high-achieving unhooked kids - and that is still true - however, it’s a more diverse admit group at UChicago than it used to be.
A great way to get even would be to set your sights on UChicago for grad school. Reject THEM when they offer you admission! YEAH!!!