Does applying Early Decision 2 help with admissions?

I've heard different opinions about whether applying through Early Decision 2 can boost your chances of getting into a college. Does anyone know if this is true, or should I stick with Regular Decision?

The choice between Early Decision 2 (ED2) and Regular Decision really depends on your specific situation and goals.

In general, yes, applying ED2 can potentially boost your chances of admission. This is because colleges tend to fill a significant portion of their class in ED rounds, and demonstrating such a strong commitment to the institution (in the form of a binding agreement to attend if admitted) can be advantageous.

However, it's important to remember that this does not guarantee acceptance, and your profile still needs to be competitive for the school. The admissions rate for ED2 can still be rigorous, especially for very selective schools.

If you have a clear first-choice school and you are ready to commit to attending if accepted, then ED2 can be a sound choice. But there are several factors to consider:

1. Financial Aid: Make sure that the financial aid packages offered by the college meet your family's needs. Unlike Regular Decision, Early Decision is binding. Some colleges provide calculators to estimate the likely financial aid package based on your family's income.

2. Ready Application: Ensure that your application is strong enough. If you need more time to boost your GPA, or have yet another round of achievements in your senior year to showcase, Regular Decision might be more appropriate.

Remember, the main goal is to submit the strongest application possible, whether that's in Early Decision or Regular Decision. Make sure to weigh your options carefully before deciding on the best strategic approach for your situation.