How much does applying Early Decision II actually help with getting into William and Mary? I'm considering it but want to ensure it will positively impact my chances.
Sure, it's a valid question to ask. Applying Early Decision (ED), whether it's ED I or ED II, generally demonstrates a strong interest in attending that specific institution, which colleges appreciate. This is sometimes factored in the admissions process. For William and Mary specifically, while they don't disclose the exact impact of ED II, the overall acceptance rate for ED I and II for the previous year was noticeably higher than the Regular Decision acceptance rate.
Keep in mind, however, that the Early Decision pool of applicants can be competitive, as many motivated and well-prepared students choose this route. So, even though the acceptance rate may be higher for ED, the caliber of applicants can also be high.
Another thing to point out is that if you apply ED II (or ED I) you're committing to attend that school if admitted, assuming the financial aid package works for you. So it should be your top choice.
Lastly, you should also consider how prepared you are at this point in the year. Have you drafted and revised your essays? Are you satisfied with your standardized test scores (if you opted to submit them)? If you feel your application would significantly improve with a bit more time (work on essays, more grades from senior year, new accomplishments), then Regular Decision might be better for you. But if your application is solid now, applying ED II can help show your strong interest in William and Mary.
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