<p>Applying early can only help. Early applicants are more likely to matriculate, which they take into consideration. They take a much higher percentage of the early pool (~17%, although it may go down a bit next year bc of high yield). Even if you apply early and get deferred, you’re more likely to be picked up in the regular pool or off the wait list. </p>
<p>As for which school you apply to early, it’s up to you. Yale is a reach for just about anyone, but applying early will only help you.</p>