Should I apply to WashU Early Decision 2?

I'm considering Washington University in St. Louis for Early Decision 2. Is it more competitive than Early Decision 1? If anyone has tips or experiences to share, I'd love to hear them!

Absolutely, applying Early Decision 2 to WashU can indeed boost your chances just like it does for Early Decision 1 applicants. And no, the competition level for ED2 is not substantially different than ED1.

In both cases, these decisions can demonstrate strong interest in the school and therefore might offer a slightly higher acceptance rate than Regular Decision. You see, with Early Decision, even if it’s ED2, you're making a binding commitment to attend if accepted, which the school certainly appreciates.

However, one thing to consider is whether you're 100% sure that WashU is your top choice and whether you have clarity on the financial aspect, as you'll be committing to enrolling if accepted. WashU is known for meeting 100% of the demonstrated need for admitted students, but this does not necessarily mean your family will find the aid package affordable. Be sure to use WashU’s net price calculator to get an estimate of your costs.

Make sure that, by the time the January deadline rolls around (January 2), you have a solid understanding of the school's programs and how you'd fit in. You should be able to articulate this in your application.

In terms of specific advice, demonstrate your fit for the school and elaborate on how you'll contribute. Discuss programs of interest, traditions you want to become a part of, or professors you’d like to work with. Spend some time researching these aspects, and try to be as specific as possible in your application to show you've done your homework.

Remember, as with any college application, you’ll want your application to be as strong as it possibly can be. Ensure your essays, grades, test scores (if you're sending them), and recommendations are all in the best shape possible before you hit submit.

Best of luck with your application!