Haverford College Early Decision 2 insights?

I'm thinking of applying Early Decision 2 to Haverford College. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences with this option? I'm ready to commit, just want to make sure it's the best choice for me.

Haverford's Early Decision 2 (ED2) is a great choice if you're absolutely sure that Haverford is your first choice. Let me share a few insights about the ED2 option.

First, it's essential to know that ED2, like ED1, is a binding agreement. If you are accepted, you must attend Haverford and withdraw all other college applications. Ensure you, your family, and your counselor are all on board with this commitment before applying.

Second, ED2 might have a slight advantage when it comes to admissions rate. Applying ED shows the college that you're serious about attending, which could potentially impact admissions decisions. However, because the pool of ED2 applicants is often smaller than ED1 and Regular Decision (RD), it's difficult to compare acceptance rates directly.

An important caveat here is that selecting ED should not be a strategy to "boost" your chances of admittance. Although the acceptance rates may be slightly higher, the applicant pool is typically also quite competitive.

Third, keep in mind the financial aspect. Ensure you've run the net price calculator and are comfortable with potential financial aid awards. Early Decision, whether ED1 or ED2, doesn't give you the chance to compare financial aid offers from different schools.

Lastly, if you've had a recent spike in grades or extracurricular achievements and feel these could strengthen your application, ED2 would allow you to include that information on your application, as the deadline is later.

Remember, the choice ultimately comes down to your personal feelings about the college. If Haverford is without a doubt your top choice, applying ED2 could be a great decision. However, take the time to thoroughly evaluate all factors before making your final decision.