Considering Early Decision 2 at College of the Holy Cross

I'm thinking about applying ED2 to the College of the Holy Cross and wondering about any benefits or insights folks might have about this process. Is it worth it in terms of getting in versus Regular Decision?

While each applicant's case is individual, there are indeed several potential benefits to applying via the Early Decision II (ED2) pathway. First and foremost, the general consensus says that applying ED1 or ED2 indicates a high level of interest in the school, which can potentially influence admission decisions positively. It shows the college that you're committed to attending if accepted.

Moreover, applying ED2 to College of the Holy Cross as opposed to Regular Decision might indeed provide a slight boost to your chances of acceptance. That being said, please remember that ED is a binding commitment. If you're accepted, you're committed to attend unless the financial aid package offered makes it financially impossible for you. Therefore, only choose this option if you're absolutely certain that College of the Holy Cross is your top choice and that you've reviewed the potential financial implications.

Also noteworthy is this: the ED2 option could potentially make the pool of applicants smaller, meaning you might stick out more to the admissions officers, further increasing your chances. However, you are also likely to be compared to a pool of academically stronger students, since these students are likely committed to the college.

All-in-all, remember that while the application timeline you choose can lend you an edge, the most important factor will always be the strength of your application—including your academic record, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Please research the school thoroughly, and maybe even reach out to admissions officers or current students to gather more information about their experiences. It's important to make sure that the college fits your academic and social needs before making a binding commitment. Good luck with your application!