Advice on Early Decision 2 for Wellesley College?

I've been thinking about Wellesley as one of my top choices and I'm considering Early Decision 2. Does anyone have insights on how much of an edge ED 2 might give compared to regular?

Applying Early Decision, whether it's ED1 or ED2, does generally give students some advantage at most selective schools, including Wellesley College. The reason is that such schools appreciate the commitment to attend if admitted, which can improve their yield rates. Keep in mind that you're bound to attend if admitted unless your financial aid is not adequate, so it's essential to be sure that Wellesley is your top choice and that it is a financial fit before you apply for ED.

Specifically for Wellesley College, their overall acceptance rate is around 14%, whereas the ED acceptance rates (ED1 and ED2 considered together) have historically been somewhat higher. While the college usually doesn't break down the exact figures between ED1 and ED2, a commitment to attend a school still naturally impacts the admissions decision favorably.

Just as importantly, applying ED2 allows you to show that even after considering other schools and perhaps going through another admission process with EA or ED1, you have identified Wellesley as your first choice. It's a good chance to reaffirm your interest after conducting a thorough consideration of your options.

However, while it can slightly increase your chances, ED should never be seen as a way to 'overcome' an inadequate profile. The primary factors that influence admissions decisions, especially at selective colleges like Wellesley, are the academic strength of the applicant, strength of essays, extracurricular achievements, letters of recommendation, etc.

If you're confident Wellesley is your top choice and you've put together a strong application, then it might definitely be worth considering ED2. Make sure to confirm your decision with parents, counselors, or mentors.