Is Early Decision II a good choice for American University?

I'm really interested in American University, and I'm wondering if applying to Early Decision II would be advantageous. What should I consider before choosing this option?

Applying Early Decision II to American University could be a beneficial strategy if you're confident that this university is your top choice. Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission process, which means if you're accepted, you commit to attending the university and withdraw all other college applications.

Several factors make the ED II route attractive:

1. You might have an admissions advantage. Colleges tend to accept a higher percentage of ED applicants compared to regular decision applicants because these students have demonstrated a strong interest in the school by applying to ED.

2. You may increase your chances for merit aid. Some colleges reserve a portion of their merit scholarships for students who show significant interest, which is demonstrated by applying ED.

3. If you're not quite ready to submit your best application by the ED I deadline, ED II allows additional time to enhance your application – maybe you want to include your first-semester senior year grades, or maybe you're planning on doing something impressive during this time.

However, there are also some things to consider:

1. Financial aid – Make sure you have a clear understanding of your financial situation and the cost. You can use American University's Net Price Calculator to estimate your expenses. Remember, if you're accepted under ED, you're expected to enroll unless the financial aid package is insufficient. But keep in mind you would have limited ability to compare financial aid offers from other schools.

2. It's binding – You must be sure that American University is your first choice because if accepted, you need to withdraw all other applications.

3. Application readiness – Ensure that your application is the best it can be. Sometimes rushing to meet an earlier deadline might compromise the quality of your application.

In conclusion, if American University is your first choice and you've done a thorough analysis of these factors, especially the financial aspect, Early Decision II might be a good choice for you.