<p>I did apply EA and was accepted in December (4.0GPA(highest my school gave), 1170SAT, 3AP’s, 2 Joint enrollment, in-state). There really isn’t any hassle in applying EA, so I think your girls should go ahead and apply (I highly doubt they’ll get rejected with those stats, so even if they get deferred, at least half of their application is finished). That way, if they do get in and they’ve decided that’s definitely where they want to go, they can stop worrying about college applications after that and only have to focus on other applications (scholarships, etc). I don’t really think getting deferred EA will hurt their chances for anything (but I’m not part of admissions, so I can’t say that with 100% confidence). Getting IN EA definitely won’t hurt anything. Getting in early can only help.</p>