Hey everyone, I'm contemplating applying through Early Decision II for a couple of my top schools and was just wondering, what should I expect from this process? Is it drastically different from ED I, or pretty much the same thing just later in the year? Any insights would be super appreciated. Thanks!
The Early Decision II (ED II) process is not drastically different from Early Decision I (ED I). Both binding commitments indicate that the school is your first choice and you commit to attending if you are admitted. The main difference is the timeline. Here's a breakdown:
1. Timeline: ED II happens later in the year than ED I. ED I deadlines typically fall in November, while ED II deadlines are usually in January. So, you'll have extra time to polish your application and make your decision.
2. Decision Timing: ED II allows you to hear back from colleges before the regular decision notifications (usually around February). This can give you peace of mind earlier in the process if you get accepted.
3. Impact on Acceptance Rate: Applying ED (either I or II) can sometimes increase your chances of being accepted since it shows a high level of interest in the college. However, the magnitude of this effect varies by school, and it's worth noting that ED pools can also be more competitive.
4. Financial Aid: Since ED is binding, I must stress the importance of evaluating whether a school is financially feasible. If your first choice school offers a generous financial aid package and they meet 100% demonstrated need, it could be a less risky choice. Remember, you can use the school's net price calculator to estimate your family's cost.
5. Flexibility: ED II can be particularly helpful if you were rejected or deferred from your ED I school and still wish to demonstrate strong interest in another school.
Just keep in mind, since it's a binding commitment, you should only apply ED II if you're certain that the school is your top choice and you're not reliant on comparing financial aid offers.
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