Understanding Lafayette College's ED2 acceptance rate

I've been trying to find info on Lafayette College's acceptance rate for Early Decision 2. How does it compare with their regular decision rate? I want to know if applying ED2 significantly increases my chances of getting in.

While the specific acceptance rates for Early Decision II (ED2) at Lafayette College are not publicly available, it is generally true that ED2 acceptance rates are higher than regular decision rates at many institutions. This is due to a few factors.

First, the ED2 pool is often smaller and less competitive than the regular decision pool, meaning your application might stand out more. Second, colleges appreciate the binding commitment associated with ED2, as it helps them predict their yield (the number of admitted students who end up enrolling).

While applying ED2 might improve your chances, remember that it's important to be fully committed to attending Lafayette if you're accepted, as ED2 is binding. That means you should be comfortable with the financial aspect as well as academic and social fit. Using Lafayette's Net Price Calculator can help you estimate the financial aid you may receive to ensure it's financially viable for your family.

As well, shifting from regular decision to ED2 won't make up for an application that's not competitive. Employment prospects, your grades, test scores, and extracurricular involvement, should all be on par with the school’s typical admitted student profile.

Ultimately, the best advice is to only apply ED2 if Lafayette College is your top choice and you're ready to commit to attending. Otherwise, Regular Decision or Early Action (if available) might be a better fit for you.