Anyone applied Early Decision 2 to Davidson?

I'm considering Early Decision 2 at Davidson College. Can anyone share whether this improved their odds of getting accepted or if there were any drawbacks compared to regular decision?

Like many other selective schools, Davidson College does show a higher acceptance rate for students who apply Early Decision (which includes both ED1 and ED2) compared to those who apply Regular Decision. This is in part due to colleges appreciating the commitment demonstrated by ED applicants, as these students are declaring that the school is their first choice and they are willing to attend if accepted.

As for drawbacks, applying Early Decision II involves a binding agreement, so you can't apply through this method unless you're absolutely certain Davidson is your first choice and that being accepted would not create a financial burden for you. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the financial aid prospects and use the school's net price calculator to ensure the cost won't be prohibitive.

Lastly, you might want to think about how prepared your application is. Some students may fare better in the Regular Decision round because they'll have an extra couple of months to improve their profiles – for example, by boosting their grades in the fall term of senior year, adding more extracurriculars, or spending more time honing their essays. Whichever decision you make, best of luck with your application!