Finding Early Decision Schools
With the first round of Early Decision deadlines looming, there is a lot of talk among students about finding an “ED school.” Getting into a “reach school” any “reach school” has become the priority and the assumption is that the best chance of getting in is to apply ED.
By the numbers, this assessment is on the mark. ED does provide a statistical advantage for applicants at most schools. However, the rush to ED often means that good judgment is set aside in favor of the potential to score a big prize. You might get in but, after the euphoria wears off, the chances are good you’ll have second thoughts about the commitment you just made.
This came home to me when, as my son was preparing to apply to schools, the Early Decision question was raised in a slightly different context. It was clear that one school had emerged as his first choice. While his credentials for that school were good, they were not great. His best chance of getting in would be as an Early Decision candidate. When I asked whether he was considering an ED application to that school, his response surprised me.
“While I really like that school in November, I can’t be sure I’ll feel the same way about it in April,” he said. He chose not to apply ED.
While he didn’t get into that school, I was proud of the wisdom he displayed in making the decision. Had he said “yes” to ED, there is a very good chance he would have been admitted to the school that had been his first choice at the time. Today, however, he is certain he ended up at the school that was the best fit for him.
My advice: don’t game the ED option. Don’t put yourself in the position of seeing momentary elation give way to regret over a misplaced commitment.
The application process isn’t about winning a “prize.” Instead, focus on establishing a short list of schools that are good fits. Think about it. The best schools for you are those that value you for your accomplishments and for your potential to achieve in college. If one of them emerges as a strong, unequivocal first choice, then-and only then-consider applying ED.
Important Note: If you know that you will require need-based financial aid in order to enroll at a college, DO NOT apply ED without getting an early estimate of your expected financial aid and an example of the need-based financial aid you would receive if admitted from the college itself. If the college cannot or will not offer such information, then you should not apply ED.
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