<p>Does applying EA increase my chances?</p>
<p>Straight answer: The EA round usually has a higher acceptance rate, but the pool of applicants is stronger in general.</p>
<p>However, last year (Chicago got a new dean of admissions last year, Mr. Jim Nondorf, who replaced the former dean Ted O'Neill aka the Dean of Love. It's been suspected that change is afoot in the Chicago admissions office, courtesy this changing of the guard) the EA acceptance rate was SIGNIFICANTLY higher than the RD accept rate. Some suspect this strategy has been used to maintain Chicago's yield at a time of increasing cross-competition.</p>
<p>Otherwise, it can't hurt, and it sure as hell helps to know you have options by December.</p>
<p>Yes, but only a little bit, and it could potentially hurt you if you need the extra time to improve your transcript, essays, SATs, etc.</p>
<p>That said, EA is a great option, not for increasing your chances, but just for hearing back so early.</p>