<p>I know this stuff keeps coming up, but I have to ask.</p>
<p>The JHU website says,</p>
<p>"Competitive Advantage?</p>
<p>Standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank can be helpful as measuring tools for future success, but they’re only part of the story. At Hopkins, we look for more. We scrutinize your complete secondary school record course by course, grade by grade. We expect strong personal recommendations and evidence of meaningful extracurricular contributions. Your commitment to Hopkins as an Early Decision candidate is another important factor in our decision."</p>
<p>Does this mean getting into JHU with ED is actually EASIER than that with RD?</p>
<p>I am in a great dilema, and have been sick over 2 months for that. </p>
<p>No. ED is not easier than RD. As I have said many times before, apply ED to Hopkins if and only if it is your first choice. </p>
<p>The important section of the quote you got from the website is that “your commitment to Hopkins as an Early Decision candidate is another important factor in our decision.” What that means is that for borderline applicants in the ED process, knowledge that the applicant really wants to go to JHU will be considered. Grades, test scores, recs., activities all are very important and just because a student applies ED does not mean they are a good fit for Hopkins.</p>
<p>The Admissions counselors review ED applicants the same way as RD applicants, except they have clear knowledge that ED applicants will attend. All schools consider an applicant’s “likeliness to attend” whether during ED or RD – just in ED it is clear the applicants will attend.</p>
<p>It is not a difficult decision – apply ED to Hopkins if it is your clear first choice!!!</p>
<p>I think what you are asking is the question about higher percentage of applicants accepted during ED. The pool of applicants may be more competitive but some schools take nearly 50% of the class ED. Some schools only honor legacy status in ED…so as you can see the factors are somewhat different than RD. Many schools take athletic admits in ED. Good Luck</p>
<p>Unless, there is a strong advantage for ED, I would say I am just going to apply to both school under regular decision.</p>
<p>Edit: What I understand is that ED gives the admission officers that I want to go to JHU, so this may give me a “push” but just applying ED is not a critical factor.</p>
<p>If you’re top two choices are JHU and MIT, why not apply to MIT non-binding early action (at least that’s what it was last year)? If you get our app in on time for EA, then you might get good news from Boston before Christmas.</p>