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Long-time lurker, first-time poster – so first, a big thanks to everyone on TLS for being an incredible resource and motivator as I prepped for the LSAT, began researching schools, etc. Here’s my question: Generally, I’m wondering – given today’s admissions climate – when, if ever, would applying early decision be a good move? Specifically, I’m looking at Columbia.

My info is as follows:
170
3.78
Average Softs: bilingual (Spanish), internship at a US Embassy in South America, work at District Attorney of New York, on-campus leadership at my UG, military officer training (attended Marine Officer Candidates School) with aspirations of serving as a JAG.
Non-URM

I currently live in NYC. If admitted to CLS, I’d likely choose to attend (even with the possibility of $ at lower T-14). Given this, would applying ED be a smart move? After running my numbers on mylsn, it looks like ED applicants did better, but I’ve read enough here to know that this likely isn’t representative of the broader applicant pool. Is there enough of an outside shot at H to make it worth applying there? If not, is there any point in throwing that ED to Columbia?

Thanks in advance for weighing in.

tl;dr: 170/3.78 – any point in EDing CLS?

Don't ED to any school, apply at all the t-14's your interested in.

Looks like you'd get into NYU RD and have a pretty good chance at Columbia as well. I'd only ED to CLS if you can realize substantial cost of living savings by going there but wouldn't get those savings if you went to NYU.