Should I apply Early Decision 2 to CMU?

Does anyone know if Early Decision 2 at Carnegie Mellon offers a bigger advantage in admissions compared to regular or Early Decision 1? I'm trying to decide if this is the right path for me.

Applying Early Decision (ED), whether ED1 or ED2, generally shows a school that you consider it your top choice, which can give you a slight edge in admissions. The general consensus is that ED2 does not typically offer a substantial advantage over ED1. However, there are a few nuanced benefits to consider.

One situation where ED2 may be advantageous is if you're waiting for early fall semester grades, more extracurricular achievements, or better standardized test scores to be included in your application. Waiting for these improved details to solidify could possibly strengthen your application in comparison to other ED applicants.

However, admissions committees generally see plenty of well-qualified applicants in the ED1 round, so waiting until ED2 shouldn't be looked at as an "easier" path to admission. At a school like Carnegie Mellon, the applicant pool is going to be highly competitive in any round.

The difference in acceptance rates between ED1, ED2, and Regular Decision can vary significantly from school to school and from year to year. Carnegie Mellon, like many universities, does not publish separate acceptance rates for ED1 and ED2, but the overall acceptance rate for ED (combining ED1 and ED2) has historically been higher than for Regular Decision.

Lastly, the decision to apply ED1, ED2, or Regular Decision should not only depend on acceptance rates but also on whether you're entirely certain that Carnegie Mellon is your first choice. Remember, ED is a binding agreement and you are committing to attending if admitted. You should also make sure that Carnegie Mellon is a financial fit for you and your family, as your options to compare financial aid offers would be limited if you were accepted ED.

In conclusion, ED2 can possibly help your chances slightly, but it shouldn't be seen as a significant advantage over ED1 or a way to game the system. Deciding where and when to apply should consider several factors including readiness of your application and financial implications.