Pros and cons of Early Decision II at Boston University?

I'm applying to BU and wondering if ED II is a good move. Does applying ED II significantly increase my chances compared to RD and what should I consider before deciding?

The decision to apply Early Decision II (ED II) to Boston University rests on several factors, which form the pros and cons of this decision:

Pros:

1. Increased Acceptance Rate: Historically, BU has had a higher acceptance rate during their ED I and II rounds, compared to Regular Decision (RD). This is due to the smaller pool of applicants and commitment to attend, which could potentially strengthen your chances. However, remember that this doesn't guarantee acceptance, and your academic and extracurricular profile still matters immensely.

2. Expression of Interest: Applying ED II signals a strong commitment to BU, and can demonstrate your genuine interest in attending. This is especially vital as some colleges take 'demonstrated interest' into account.

3. Faster Decision: Applying ED II means you'll hear back from BU earlier than if you applied RD, which can reduce the stress of waiting for responses.

Cons:

1. Binding Agreement: The significant challenge with ED II is that it’s a binding agreement. So if you’re accepted, you must withdraw all other college applications. This means you should be 100% certain that BU is your top choice.

2. Financial Aid: While BU does meet 100% of demonstrated need, applying ED II means you're committing to attend before fully comprehending your financial aid package. If affordability is a major concern, ED might not be the right choice. You can get an approximate idea using BU's net price calculator, but remember it's only an estimate.

3. Limited Time for Improvement: If you're considering ED II to improve grades or test scores, you might not have enough time to make significant strides since ED II deadlines are typically in early January.

In summary, if BU is your absolute first choice and you're comfortable with the financial aspects, applying ED II may be a positive step for you. But if you have any reservations about commitment, finances, or wishing to compare offers, Regular Decision may give you the flexibility you need.