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Is it unethical or frowned upon to apply early decision to two schools if their ED deadlines and decision release dates are very close together? I would definitely pay the deposit at one of the two schools that I am considering submitting an early application for if I were admitted, I just want to know if I have to pick one or the other for an early application.

I am worried about my limited WE. I'm more confident in the other areas of my application. Will applying early make me more competitive (because of the smaller applicant pool) for these schools or does applying ED not really have any effect on an applicant's odds of admission?

*BUMP*

Does anyone know whether applying Early Decision increases an applicant's chances of admission? Can applicants apply ED to two schools if they have similar application and decision release dates?

Hi SB,

Sorry, I dont have too much insight into the 'competitiveness' of ED. However, I do believe that applying in earlier rounds (specifically R1 vs R2) can give you an 'ever-so' slight advantage. I am not sure if this applies to ED rounds.

Regards,

NP

The answer to your question also depends upon whether the Early Decision is binding or non-binding. In a binding ED, you basically agree to attend the school is you are admitted. Therefore, it would not be looked upon favorably if you reneged. You can apply to other schools using the normal process however you are generally only expected to apply via one binding ED process.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback. I wouldn't want to hurt my chances at either school. I will probably apply ED to my primary target school rather than my reach school since I am a younger applicant.

You are welcome. Best of luck!