Applying to Bowdoin through Early Decision 2

I’ve been looking at Bowdoin and considering Early Decision 2 for my application. Does anybody know what the advantages are compared to regular decision? Any advice on whether it's a good idea?

When considering Early Decision 2 (ED2) versus Regular Decision (RD), a key factor to consider is your level of interest in the school. As ED2 is a binding agreement, it's most appropriate when you're certain that the school is your top choice.

The primary advantage of ED2 over RD is the potential increase in acceptance rates. Applying ED2 demonstrates a high level of commitment to the school, which can increase your chances of admission. According to some data, applying through ED can increase your chances of admission by about 1.6 times on average. That being said, the advantage varies from one school to another, so it's difficult to predict the exact impact on your chances at Bowdoin specifically.

Besides the admission edge, applying ED2 allows you to find out your admission decision earlier than through RD. This can be a relief for some students, as it wraps up the college application process sooner.

However, one potential disadvantage of ED2 is that if you're admitted, you're obligated to enroll, unless the financial aid package is not sufficient, and you cannot compare financial aid offers from other schools. Before applying ED2, you should use Bowdoin's net price calculator to get an estimate of your expected family contribution.

In short, if Bowdoin is your top choice and you're confident in your ability to afford it based on the net price calculator estimate, applying ED2 might be a good strategic move for you.