What are the benefits of applying via Early Decision 2?

I'm considering applying to a couple of schools through Early Decision 2, but I'm not completely sure if there are any notable advantages or disadvantages compared to regular decisions. Does ED 2 increase my chances significantly?

Early Decision 2 (ED 2) does provide some advantages compared to Regular Decision (RD). One of the most significant is that, like Early Decision 1 (ED 1), it can potentially boost your chances of admission. On average, applying ED (either round 1 or 2) can yield a notable increase in your chances of admission to highly selective schools. The exact benefit varies by school, but expect an average of a 60% increase in odds, so if your chances before choosing to apply early were 4%, that would bump up to roughly 6.4% with ED.

Besides the statistical advantage, ED 2 also gives applicants additional time compared to ED 1. This can be pivotal if you need more time to build a compelling application, bring up your grades, or show more commitment to an important extracurricular activity.

However, it's also crucial to remember the binding commitment. Just like ED 1, if you're accepted to a school via ED 2, you're expected to attend that college (unless the financial aid package is not adequate). Make sure you're absolutely certain about your choice so you don’t wind up locked into a school that might not be your best fit.

Ultimately, the decision to apply ED 2 should involve a balance of these factors, alongside considerations such as financial situation and readiness to commit.