Is Early Decision 2 Binding?

If I apply through Early Decision 2 to a college, am I bound to attend if I'm accepted? I'm trying to understand how binding ED2 is compared to ED1. Would appreciate any insights!

Absolutely, both Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2 processes are indeed binding. If you choose to apply under either of these plans and are admitted, you're obligated to enroll at that college and withdraw any applications to other institutions.

The key difference between ED1 and ED2 is simply the timeline. ED1 deadlines typically fall in early November, with decisions released in mid-December. ED2, on the other hand, has deadlines that usually land in early January, with decisions being released in mid-February.

Before taking the ED2 or ED1 path, it is essential to ensure that the school is your top choice and that it's financially feasible for you and your family. You can typically use institutions' net price calculators to get an estimate of the potential financial aid package. It's also good to know that while an ED agreement is a serious commitment, colleges understand that financial circumstances can alter the feasibility of attendance, so if you're not able to secure adequate financial aid, it's usually possible to back out of an ED agreement. But it's not something that should be done lightly or without serious cause.

So, to sum up, both Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2 are binding agreements. The main difference between the two is just the application and decision dates.