William and Mary: Early Decision 1 vs 2

I'm considering applying to William and Mary, but I'm torn between ED1 and ED2. Can anyone explain the differences and help me decide which might be better for my situation?

The major difference between Early Decision I (ED1) and Early Decision II (ED2) at William and Mary is the application deadline and decision notification date. For ED1, the deadline is typically November 1st, and you would hear back in early/mid-December. For ED2, the deadline is January 5th with decisions released in early-February.

Both ED1 and ED2 are binding admission plans, which means if accepted, you are committed to attending and must withdraw all other college applications.

One reason students often choose ED1 is because it is the earliest possible application deadline, and therefore, they hear back sooner. This can relieve some of the stress of the admissions process, as students know by December whether they've been accepted or not.

ED2 is often seen as a 'second chance' for students who didn't get accepted to their first-choice school during ED1 or who need more time to strengthen their application. However, keep in mind that if you choose to apply for ED2, you won't have the benefit of comparing financial aid packages from multiple colleges.

So, if William and Mary is your top choice and you feel confident that your application is strong as it stands now, apply during ED1 for the earliest decision. However, if you need more time to bolster your application, then ED2 could be a better option. In both cases, make sure you and your family are comfortable with the financial commitment, as both plans are binding.