is it easier or harder to get an ED than regular decision? Forum

[rachelwang712]

For example if I have 50% for School A's regular decision, how likely would I get an ED for it?

My professor who went to Yale 50 yrs ago said he totally could not see the point of ED. But I am thinking of giving it a try.

[Opie]

It's slightly easier to get in, but if admitted you cannot go anywhere else. Some schools give more if a boost than others. Some schools don't give $ to ED admits because they know that they have you. I'm sure someone else will add more detail, but I'm posting on my phone at work.

[NYC Law]

If it's an ED that comes with a guaranteed scholarship (ie BU/GW) it's significantly more difficult.
If it's just a binding ED with no scholarship guarantee from the school, it's typically a bit easier to get in.
If it's non-binding (ie EA) it doesn't affect anything, aside from the typical slight boost for applying early.

[rachelwang712]

It's slightly easier to get in, but if admitted you cannot go anywhere else. Some schools give more if a boost than others. Some schools don't give $ to ED admits because they know that they have you. I'm sure someone else will add more detail, but I'm posting on my phone at work.

do you mean it is totally random or the better the school is, the less likely it will offer a scholarship?

[crumpetsandtea]

It's slightly easier to get in, but if admitted you cannot go anywhere else. Some schools give more if a boost than others. Some schools don't give $ to ED admits because they know that they have you. I'm sure someone else will add more detail, but I'm posting on my phone at work.

do you mean it is totally random or the better the school is, the less likely it will offer a scholarship?

The vast majority of schools will not offer an ED applicant money unless the ED contract stipulates that admittance under the program guarantees a scholarship (in these cases it is typically a full scholarship, and it is harder to get in through ED).

ETA: this applies to MERIT money, not need-based, I think.

[rachelwang712]

If it's an ED that comes with a guaranteed scholarship (ie BU/GW) it's significantly more difficult.
If it's just a binding ED with no scholarship guarantee from the school, it's typically a bit easier to get in.
If it's non-binding (ie EA) it doesn't affect anything, aside from the typical slight boost for applying early.

so what are other pros of ED? except for being early...

[paul34]

.

[iamrobk]

I definitely think ED can give a reasonable boost, but a lot of it comes down to the school and your numbers. I did ED (to Penn) since I know that it's where I want to go, and looking at LSN, my chances go from ~50% (at best) to... well, significantly better. If you're going to ED somewhere though, make sure to do your research and know if it's really where you want to go.

[shock259]

I ED'd at a T1 and got $10k in merit-based aid for the 1st year. This plus in-state tuition is huge.

I was at the 75th for LSAT and at the 25th for GPA.

However, from what I hear, this isn't typical.

[theadvancededit]

It's a smaller pool of applicants which suggests that it is a bit easier, but it really isn't. However, this can help make a target, on-the-fence school a clinch.