Does James Madison University offer Early Decision 2?

I'm looking at James Madison University and was wondering if they have an Early Decision 2 option. If so, is it a significant advantage for applicants?

James Madison University does not offer an Early Decision II (ED II) application option. They only have an Early Action (EA) deadline and a Regular Decision (RD) deadline. The EA deadline is typically around November 1, while the RD deadline is typically January 15.

As for the potential advantage of applying early, many colleges report higher acceptance rates for EA and ED applicants compared to RD. However, this doesn't mean that EA or ED applicants are necessarily more competitive, as many high-achieving students tend to apply early. It's crucial to choose the application option that suits your individual situation best. For instance, the EA option can be advantageous as it allows you to hear back from schools early (usually by January) while not binding you to attend if admitted – as opposed to an ED agreement.

Finally, it's also important to keep in mind the holistic admissions process at nearly all universities. While applying early may give a slight advantage in demonstrating interest, it's the totality of the application – including academic credentials like GPA and SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation – that ultimately determines a student's admission decision.