early action vs early decision

[jwall341]

Hi,

I used manhattangmat and was very pleased with the results. I have finished my app for columbia early decision, and also want to apply to wharton... I have about a week to get the wharton app done and am uneasy that quality could suffer if i rush. I was wondering if you could give some insight about early action vs regular decision and the real benefits, and whether its worth it or not to really crank and make the early action deadline.

Thanks!!

[mbamission]

Hi - Early Decision helps indicate to a school that you really want to go there, but does obligate you to attend if you get in. Early Action sends the same message but to a lesser degree, because it doesn't obligate you.

I agree with not rushing your Wharton application, but you'll then have to make the personal decision about Columbia's Early Decision and how you handle that commitment. We spoke with someone in CBS' admissions department recently about this exact issue and were told "If someone is going to break an ethical pledge, we don’t want them in our class. Better they go somewhere else."

I hope that helps.

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission

www.mbamission.com/blog

[jwall341]

thanks for you response!
Do you by chance know if there are any statistics or numbers out there, or available online, reflecting percentage admitted early vs regular decision. If its a real statistical advantage. ill 'kill myself' this next week to get that wharton app in.

(as for columbia, it is my number one choice so likely will not have ethical dilemmas)

Thanks!

[jwall341]

(i meant for this title to be early action vs regular decision)
essentially round 1 vs round 2

[mbamission]

I'm sorry, I don't have the statistics. If you read a few admissions chats though you might be able to uncover something.

But if Columbia is your real first choice and you think you can put together your strongest application by the deadline (or before - even a couple of days before can set you apart from the vast majority of people applying on or the day before the deadline), then I would advise that. But there is no point putting together a weaker application for an earlier deadline - you'll lose any advantage.

Good luck!

Jessica