Many college-bound students are interested in learning how much of a benefit applying Early Decision (ED), Single Choice Early Action (SEA), or Restricted Early Action actually provides (REA).
The misleading nature of admissions statistics
You may be familiar with early admissions data. When examining the raw statistics in isolation, it frequently seems that applying during the early route as opposed to the normal route has a significant advantage. That is sometimes the case, particularly at private, elite universities like NYU or Barnard. The same holds true for less prestigious institutions like Reed College, Bryant University, or TCU. Of course, the Ivy League benefits from early applications as well.
However, a statistical mirage makes up a portion of what you see when you examine early admissions data. On paper, early acceptance rates appear to be significantly higher, but it’s crucial to remember that the early round application pool differs from the regular round applicant pool. From a mathematical standpoint, there is a greater likelihood of admission in the early round, but the early applicant pool typically has stronger applications and fewer “throwaway applications.”
Students who fall considerably beyond the general applicant profile for a college are referred to as “throwaway applications.” They might have taken a chance and applied to a school like Harvard, Cornell, or Carnegie Mellon, but it’s unlikely that they would be accepted.
Some universities, especially selective liberal arts colleges, will advertise in foreign markets to attract students who might not have otherwise applied. The lower the acceptance rate a school may advertise, the more “throwaway” applications they receive. Since acceptance rates have an impact on school rankings, institutions will take all reasonable measures to be more selective. These applications frequently arrive during the ordinary decision round, which raises the approval percentage for the early round.
Think about the Legacy Students
Legacy students are another element that has an impact on the candidate pool in the preliminary stage. In addition to recruited student athletes, applicants who have a relative who attended the institution or who works there are more likely to be accepted. The majority of these applicants typically apply in the early stages since they are more certain that they will be accepted.
The general conclusion from this data is that while there are advantages to applying early, such advantages aren’t as significant as the raw statistics would have you believe. While applying early to an elite institution may appear to increase your chances of acceptance by two, three, or four times, for the schools themselves, the early round is truly all about.
The Early Decision ‘Yield’ Factor
A college’s goal in accepting early applications is to increase its yield, or the percentage of admitted students who actually enrol. A school tries to increase its yield rate when it grants early admission.
In light of this, applying Early Decision will actually significantly increase your chances of being admitted because ED is binding. No matter what other acceptances you may receive, if you are admitted to a school via an Early Decision application, you are required to enrol there. On the other hand, Early Action doesn’t provide you with as much of a boost.
If you submit your application before the deadline, the college will know that you are more interested in the program than applicants who apply in the regular round. However, the effect on your likelihood of acceptance varies from school to school and is generally far lesser than statistics suggest.
Early applicants are appreciated by colleges. Here’s Why.
Over 40% of the classes at several prestigious schools and institutions, including all of the Ivies, are filled by early applicants. There are valid reasons why schools take this action:
- Candidates who apply early are motivated.
- To have their applications ready by early November, early applicants must be organised (or earlier).
- Early candidates demonstrate a dedication to the institution. Early application is a crucial indicator of a student’s proven interest.
- By securing its incoming class early, the college will have less uncertainty in the spring.
The Downside of Applying Early
- With Early Decision you must attend if admitted.
- Early Decision prevents you from comparing financial aid packages and gives you less negotiating power when negotiating your aid.
- You must polish your application two months before typical applicants do.
- Any SAT or ACT scores obtained after October are likely too late to be taken into account when applying early.
Apply with Rostrum
It can be intimidating to decide on just one college when there are so many to consider. However, if you do your homework and carefully examine a campus’s departments, student organisations, and facilities, you can find the ideal college for you even before you start looking for one.
Why hold off until the normal decision if that is the case? Consider your options, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of early decision and action, then go to work on your preparations. It’s a win if you can enjoy a stress-free last semester of high school by completing your college applications early.
At Rostrum, your application is mapped out well in advance of the deadline. We assist you not only with creating your profile but also with the timeline, document submissions, essays, and other applications like financial aid. To schedule a free consultation, contact us right away!
