@gallentjill, I completely agree. D’s school advocates that students should apply non-binding EA or rolling admissions, because once you have an acceptance in hand the pressure is lessened and you can choose your schools more selectively. D applied EA, and to another program with an early application deadline. Once she was accepted to her EA choice, she only applied to two more schools . It all worked out for her she was accepted at all schools. We were lucky in that she targeted well, but having that early acceptance certainly takes the pressure off.