What's included in the Early Decision 2 deadline?

Can someone explain how Early Decision 2 works? I know about the first round of Early Decision but I'm not too sure about the specifics of the ED2 deadline. Is it like a second chance or are there different rules?

Early Decision II, often abbreviated as ED2, operates much like the first round of Early Decision (ED1) but with a later deadline. Many colleges offer ED2 deadlines in January, although the exact dates can vary by institution. This can be helpful for students who still wish to demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to a particular college after perhaps being deferred or denied under an ED1 or Early Action program, or for those who only later identify a clear first choice.

Much like ED1, ED2 is binding, meaning if you are accepted, you commit to attending that college and must withdraw all other applications. If the financial aid package offered doesn't make it feasible for you to attend, that's typically the only condition under which you could break the ED agreement. However, to avoid such scenarios, I would recommend using the net price calculator on the college's website to get an estimate of what your financial aid package might look like before you apply.

In terms of what's included in the ED2 deadline, it's essentially the same as ED1. You'll submit your Common Application (or other platform, depending on the school), including your personal statement, activity list, and any required supplemental essays. Your high school counselor will submit the school report and your transcript, and any teachers you asked will submit recommendation letters. If the college requires it, you'll also need to submit standardized test scores.

Keep in mind that since ED2 decisions often come out in February, this may be later than some regular decision notifications. You should weigh all these factors before deciding whether ED2 right for you. It offers the opportunity to indicate strong interest in a college but comes with a binding commitment.