How does Early Decision Round 2 work at Middlebury?

I'm considering applying to Middlebury and noticed there's an Early Decision Round 2 option. Can anyone share how this process works compared to other schools' ED rounds? Any insights on benefits or drawbacks would be great!

Early Decision Round 2 (ED II) at Middlebury works similarly to Early Decision Round 1 (ED I) but with a later deadline. This allows applicants who are considering Middlebury as their first choice but were not ready by the ED I deadline, to still apply early. The ED II typically has a deadline in January, whereas the ED I is usually in November.

Just like ED I, ED II binds you to attend Middlebury if you get accepted. This route is ideal for students who are absolutely sure that Middlebury is their top choice and are committed to attending if accepted.

As for the benefits, applying ED II to Middlebury has the benefit of demonstrating a strong interest in attending the school. This can potentially increase your chances of acceptance, as the college may appreciate the commitment. The admission rates for ED plans generally tend to be higher than Regular Decision.

The primary drawback, however, is the lack of ability to compare financial aid packages from multiple schools, since you are committed to attending Middlebury if accepted. It's advised to use the Net Price Calculator on Middlebury's website to estimate your financial aid eligibility before applying ED.

The other potential downside is the pressure it may place on your senior year first semester grades, as the application deadline is later, and colleges may tend to take these grades into slighter higher consideration.

Remember, Early Decision (both rounds 1 and 2) should only be considered if you're 100% sure about wanting to attend Middlebury and are comfortable with the financial aspect. It's a binding commitment that should be taken seriously. If you're still considering multiple schools, Regular Decision might be a better option.