Is applying ED/EA extremely competitive for selective schools?

GolfFather
Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:03:55 +0000

^^^^

It is open to question whether or not applying ED actually increases one’s chances or not. I am somewhat firmly on the side of the fence that says it does not.

The perceived increase in the admission percentage during ED is caused by several factors.

The genuine and tangible effect on any one particular student is IMHO non-existent and illogical. One is either qualified for admission (by whatever standards are being used) or is not qualified.

One’s individual application does not somehow appear rosier because it is sent in September rather than being sent in December.

Here is a simple analogy.
Let’s say I’m an OK basketball player.
The team I want to play for has two tryouts. The first tryout, in September, is attended by the best basketball players around because their regular season has started yet and so they’re available to come and apply. And the second tryout is in December.

The percentage of accepted players is naturally higher in September because the talent pool of gifted players is higher.
But, if I tryout for the team in September, it doesn’t mean that my chances have increased.

As always, YMMV.