<p>I think you have to keep in mind that those stats are way skewed. Many of the people who apply ED and SCEA have already been recruited for athletics, or some other program that would virtually guarantee their acceptances. What I am saying is, Duke’s ED acceptance rate might be higher than Princeton’s EA acceptance rate if they have more people in special programs that applied early (like being recruited for athletics). So, you should not base your decision on that. What you should base your decision on is whether you want to bind your acceptance or not. If not, go with Princeton. If so, go with Duke. However, keep in mind that the school is able to charge you more if you apply Early Decision because they know that you are going to attend if the school accepts you. Legally, they cannot force you to go to a school that you absolutely cannot afford, but that does not mean they can’t subtract a couple thousand dollars from your financial aid package because they know you will be attending no matter what.</p>