How much more competitive is ED than RD?

Applying to College
1

Hey guys,
I have applied ED at a top 10 LAC. Its SAT score range is 1350-1480. Does this range get higher/more competitive during ED?

2

It varies from college to college but often ED is somewhat less competitive in terms of admissions since the applicant commits to attend the college if accepted (and the financial package is do-able). Look at the common data set for the college you applied to (google “common data set XYZ College”) and it may have details on the school.

However, I see from another post you are an international student. That often makes admission more competitive especially if you need financial aid…

3

Usually, at the top LACs, early decision provides an advantage as opposed to a disadvantage.

But the advantage for an unhooked applicant is not as great as the overall ED vs. RD percentages would imply, because many athletes, legacies, members of underrepresented minority and socioeconomic groups, first generation students, and people from underrepresented states, get admitted in the ED round, the admissions office’s best chance to “lock in” students who will round out the class with the types of diversity they seek.

But some advantage still exists for the unhooked ED applicant, and I know ED applicants from my both our local high school and the LAC I know best who were completely unhooked candidates who got accepted ED.

So an ED application was a smart move. Good luck!