Is Early Decision worth it?

[ccataries]

How much of a "boost" does your application get for being early decision?

I am specifically referring to Columbia University/Duke University.

Thank you.

[wschaeff]

I think the boost is very marginal. Based on my undergraduate experience with early decision (which may not be analogous), if you are borderline they'll just waitlist you and wait to compare you against a bigger applicant pool.

I wouldn't recommend applying early decision only because you think you'll have an easier time of being admitted. You should apply early decision because you are 100% sure that you will attend that school. There's no point locking yourself into a school that may not fit you as well as another program.

[ccataries]

Thank you! That is very helpful.

[mbamission]

Hi ccataries,

Thanks for writing. Early decision is a personal choice for the applicant and really hinges on how strong your desire is to go to one of these schools, versus having the ability to compare choices. Some applicants like the appeal of potentially wrapping up the admissions process early on. If this is you, and you are confident that the target school is your first choice, than the incremental boost your application may get for being part of Early Decision could be worth it.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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