Applying Early

Question

Is it frowned upon/ considered unethical to apply Early Decision to two schools? I understand that you will be required to make a large deposit when accepted to a school, but if two schools have similar ED deadlines and decision release dates, can you apply to two and then just make the deposit at one if you are accepted to both?

Also, how much of a difference does it make if you apply Early Decision? I have heard that the applicant pool is smaller than R1 and R2 (which makes sense), but does it actually increase the chances of admission?

riverripper · Answer

ED rounds are usually smaller than R1 which is usually significantly smaller than R2. It is not unheard of for people to apply to multiple schools during ED rounds. If you get into both then you can decide where to send a deposit.

easysteps09 · Answer

River,

when using the word "smaller", did you mean smaller number of applicants in that round or smaller chances of admission? Sorry if the question seems awkward, I'm kinda new here. And I've heard that R1 is generally way more competitive than R2 (some admission consultants even suggest to apply directly in R2 if you aren't a top notch applicant).

Cheers

sam77sam7 · Answer

River, I believe, means smaller pool of applicants in R1 v. R2.

Thus, perhaps a higher acceptance rate.

~Sam

riverripper · Answer

That seems backwards to think R2 is easier than R1. Last year I would say people on here were much more successful during R1, even with the more difficult schools. Sure some of the more well prepared and qualified folks apply during R1 but the bar is based off last year, maybe a little higher. If there is a HUGE increase in apps like last year then it becomes tougher but I would still say R1 would be the easiest. Plus if you get on the dreaded waitlist, they do admit they give preference to the earlier round people when admitting WL folks.

rigger · Answer

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to sign a statement that if you get accepted, you will cancel all other applications and accept the offer? If that is the case, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to do it.

cougarblue · Answer

I just had to say great screen name! Do you own rubber gloves?

GoBruin · Answer

I do concider it unethical, since you may come to a point where you might have to break your promise. However I think one thing you can do is, whoever accepts you first, you withdrawl your application from the second as stated in the ED agreement (at least that is how Columbia ED states it).

I am curious which two schools are you applying ED, the only big time school I know is columbia that is a strict ED, you have others that are EA only.

I am curious which two schools are you applying ED, the only big time school I know is columbia that is a strict ED, you have others that are EA only.

johncoctostan · Answer

I just had to say great screen name! Do you own rubber gloves?

Ha, well, thank you. I figured that "Dr. Rosenrosen" might have been too obscure.  Fletch  is a hilarious and very "quotable" film.

So, it sounds like there is no real consensus on whether or not it is OK to apply to two schools ED. I wouldn't want to hurt my chances at either school under any circumstances, so I guess I will pick between the two (my reach school and my #1 target school) and apply ED to only one. If anyone knows of a member who has dealt with this situation before, please let me know.

easysteps09 · Answer

Sam & River, thanx for your explanations!!

solaris1 · Answer

Columbia and Duke are the only schools offering binding Early Decision (and maybe McCombs?). They explicitly ask admitted students to withdraw applications to other schools upon an offer of admission. So unless you're applying to both, you aren't going to face this conundrum.

The other schools all offer Early Action (Tuck, Darden etc.) and you can continue to pursue your applications at other schools until the deposit deadline.

The other schools all offer Early Action (Tuck, Darden etc.) and you can continue to pursue your applications at other schools until the deposit deadline.

icon · Answer

McCombs does not offer an early decision or early action option. McCombs has a rolling admissions review period which begins on November 1.

solaris1 · Answer

Ah ok, thanks for correcting me. I knew they did something a little differently down in Austin!

johncoctostan · Answer

Kenan-Flagler is another school to add to the list. They do not explicitly say that you must withdraw other applications, but their Early Action is definitely binding and requires applicants to make a deposit a few weeks after they are accepted.

RVD · Answer

I think it's considered unethical because it is definitely against the spirit of ED. It is meant for students who view that school to be their top choice so adcom will accept students knowing that if accepted the student will attend that school only.

It's generally not a good way to live your life and if you believe in karma...not good.

RVD.

It's generally not a good way to live your life and if you believe in karma...not good.

RVD.

fatb · Answer

Is your name Earl? :lol:

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