Applying to University of Chicago ED II

Is submitting an application for Early Decision II at the University of Chicago advisable if I'm not 100% sure it's my top choice but I still want an admissions boost?

It's crucial to be quite certain that a school is your absolute top choice before applying there under an Early Decision (ED) plan, including Early Decision II. The reason for this is that ED plans, as you likely know, are binding. If you're admitted to an institution via ED, you're expected to withdraw all other applications and commit to attending that school unless the financial aid package offered makes attendance unfeasible.

Additionally, while ED can indeed boost your likelihood of admission, it's not a guarantee. In fact, statistics show that applicants often have stronger profiles compared to Regular Decision applicants, as top students tend to apply early, which can make the process even more competitive.

You mentioned that UChicago might not be your first choice, so applying ED II may not be the most prudent decision. A common piece of advice is only to apply ED if you're completely sure you would attend if accepted.

It's also worth noting that UChicago, like many other highly selective institutions, practices need-aware admissions for international students, which means an applicant's ability to pay is considered in the admissions process. If you are an international student applying for financial aid, and you need significant support, that could impact your chances of admission.

So, in short, think carefully about the impact of the decision and how sure you are that UChicago is where you want to be. Remember, even if you do decide to apply Regular Decision rather than ED II, you can still use this time to strengthen your application and maximize your chances.