Is Tulane's Early Decision II the right choice for me?

I'm planning to apply to Tulane University and considering Early Decision II. Does anyone have insights or personal experiences with how ED II affects acceptance odds? I'd appreciate any advice or things to keep in mind!

Applying Early Decision II (ED II) does generally boost your chances of being admitted compared to the Regular Decision (RD) pool. This is because colleges tend to appreciate the demonstrated commitment that comes from an ED II application, as it means you're committed to attending if accepted.

That being said, the boost isn't universal for all schools or all students, and it's hard to quantify exactly how much it might improve your odds at Tulane specifically. However, a study from College Transitions estimates an ED admission rate 1.6 times higher than the RD rate at selective schools, on average.

There are a couple of things you would want to consider before deciding. First, make sure that Tulane is indeed your first choice and that you'd be happy to commit if accepted. Second, be aware that ED is binding, which means you're agreeing to enroll if accepted and can't compare financial aid offers from other schools. Therefore, you should have a clear understanding of your family’s financial situation and what they can afford.

Overall, if Tulane is your top choice and you're comfortable with the financial aspect, ED II could be a good strategy to emphasize your interest and potentially increase your chances of acceptance! Just keep in mind that the increase in admission chances doesn't guarantee admission, so make sure the rest of your application is as strong as possible.