Which top schools offer Early Decision 2?

I'm trying to finalize my college list and want to know which top schools offer ED2. Are there advantages to applying ED2, and how does it affect admission chances?

Early Decision 2 (ED2) is often an overlooked opportunity in college applications, but it's a great option for students who are absolutely certain about which school they'd like to attend but may have missed the Early Decision 1 (ED1) deadline, want to compare financial aid offers, or perhaps did not get accepted to their ED1 school.

Several top institutions offer an ED2 plan. These include Tufts University, Emory University, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt University, Wesleyan University, and Swarthmore College among others. It's always best to check the official college website or admissions office to confirm as this list is not exhaustive.

The odds of gaining acceptance through ED2 are generally higher than through Regular Decision (RD), much like the boost seen in ED1. Although, the ED2 acceptance rates might be slightly lower than the ED1 rates, due to the ED2 applicant pool typically being slightly stronger. As an example, the ED2 acceptance rate may be closer to the overall acceptance rate at highly selective schools, while ED1 rates can be significantly higher.

However, just like with applying ED1, applying ED2 is a binding decision; if you are admitted, you must withdraw all your other college applications and commit to attending. Because of this, the decision to apply ED2 should not be made lightly. Financial considerations should also be made before applying, as students cannot compare financial aid offers with ED2. It might also be beneficial to check and see if the specific schools you are interest in are need-blind for all applicants.