Are acceptance rates higher for Early Decision II?

I've heard that applying Early Decision II can improve your admission chances. Is that true? How do acceptance rates generally differ between Early Decision I and II?

Applying Early Decision II can indeed boost your odds of acceptance, though the impact it has can vary from college to college.

Generally speaking, ED II can be particularly beneficial for students who perhaps weren't ready to commit to a college during the ED I time frame but have since decided that a specific college is clearly their top choice. ED II applications are typically due in January, a few months after ED I, so it can provide more time for students to really discern what's the best fit for them.

In terms of acceptance rates, the difference between ED I and ED II can vary quite a bit depending on the college. Some colleges may accept a higher percentage of applicants ED I compared to ED II. This might be because they see the strongest and most dedicated applicants during the ED I period. However, ED II acceptance rates are often still higher than Regular Decision rates.

Keep in mind, though, that the data can be somewhat skewed because the pool of ED applicants tends to be both smaller and stronger, on average, than the Regular Decision pool. Early Decision applicants often have slightly higher academic profiles, and colleges could select these applicants in order to boost academic stats and yield rates (as ED admittees are bound to attend).

So, while there isn't a clear-cut answer as to whether you have a better chance of getting in with ED I or II, it's fair to say that applying ED (either I or II) generally increases your chances compared to Regular Decision. Yet, it's important to consider your personal readiness to make a binding commitment to a school and ensure it's a good fit academically, socially, and financially.