How does Early Decision II differ from Regular Decision?

I'm trying to decide between applying ED II or going for regular decision at some schools. What are the main differences between the two in terms of commitment and advantages?

In terms of commitment, Early Decision II (ED II), like Early Decision I (ED I), is a binding commitment. If you apply as an ED II candidate and are accepted, you must enroll at that school and withdraw all other college applications. This should only be chosen at a school that is your top choice, and where you've meticulously calculated the financial feasibility using the school's net price calculator or other financial aid projection tools.

On the other hand, regular decision does not entail any such commitment. You can freely choose to accept or decline the admission offer, and you have until May 1st (National Decision Day) to make this decision. This timeframe allows you to compare different colleges, their programs, campus culture, financial aid packages, and more before making your decision.

In terms of advantages, applying ED II generally increases your chance of acceptance when compared to regular decision, similar to ED I. The advantage of ED II over ED I usually lies in the fact that you get more time to perfect your application and can also compare it with other Early Action decisions you might have received.

However, the impact of applying ED II versus regular decision varies from college to college. At some institutions, the ED II acceptance rate is significantly higher than the regular decision acceptance rate, while at others the difference is less pronounced.

As a parting thought, keep in mind your comfort with the binding nature of an ED II commitment and your readiness to commit to a particular school. The application plan you choose should be tailored to your personal circumstances, comfort level, and college priorities.