Is Early Decision for You? Probably not. Sigh.

I'm super irritated with higher education today: SAT scores were released this week--which freaks everyone out no matter the earned score--and now I'm looking up the number of colleges that admit the majority of their freshmen classes based on Early Decision.

I want to throw a rock through a window.

Here's why.

"ED" requires you to commit to one school and, if you're accepted, you pull your other applications. They've accepted your diamond ring, you're headed for the alter.

ED benefits those with cash (if you're desperate, you'll pay anything) and those who are really sure of their actions. (Show me a teenager who is positive about their life course and I'll show you a zebra with no stripes.)

And, of course, it benefits colleges by boosting their "yields"--the number of kids who apply then turn up at their dorms in the fall. Remember, the higher a school's yield, the higher their rankings in pubs like "U.S. News." (And plenty of folks use those organizations to start their college search which is why said ratings are essential to schools.)

Who ED doesn't benefit: Those who need money or want to keep their options open. This is most kids.

Colleges, then, appear to be more interested in cash and their yields than educating the leaders of tomorrow. I have long known this, but it sure stings every time I think hard about it.

You see now why I'm eyeing the rocks in my garden.