Should I Apply Early Decision II to Claremont McKenna?

Debating whether to apply Early Decision II to Claremont McKenna College. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to using ED II here, or should I just go with regular decision or another ED option?

Applying Early Decision (ED) II to Claremont McKenna may indeed provide some advantages, but also comes with important considerations. The key advantage is that applying ED II might give a slight boost to your chances of acceptance. ED II applicants, like ED I applicants, are demonstrating a high level of interest in the college by agreeing to attend if accepted, which colleges appreciate.

However, the boost in acceptance rate could also be partly because the ED pool is generally more self-selective, often composed of highly qualified applicants who love the school and believe they're a good fit.

Remember the binding nature of Early Decision. If you apply ED II and are accepted, you're committed to attending Claremont McKenna and must withdraw all other applications. So, you should only apply ED II if you're absolutely sure Claremont McKenna is your top choice and you've thoroughly researched its programs, campus culture, financial aspects, and other factors that matter to you.

Also, you should confirm that Claremont McKenna's financial aid offerings align with your financial situation. Consider using the school's net price calculator to get an estimate of the cost of attendance.

Finally, if you're not happy with your application as it stands now or you're awaiting some significant achievement in the near future (like a leadership position or award), waiting for Regular Decision might be a better idea. Regular Decision will give you more time to improve your application.

All that said, whether to apply ED II, regular decision, or ED to another school entirely is a personal decision that depends on your overall college list, qualifications, and preferences. Best of luck with your decision!