Lehigh University Early Decision II Insight

I'm really interested in Lehigh University and thinking about applying Early Decision II. What are the pros and cons of applying ED II here, and do you think it gives a significant boost in admissions chances?

Applying Early Decision II to Lehigh University can indeed offer several benefits as well as some potential drawbacks.

Pros:

- Increased Chance of Acceptance: Similar to most universities, Lehigh University typically has a higher acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants, including ED II, compared to Regular Decision. This is partially due to the fact that these applicants are signaling a strong commitment to Lehigh by agreeing to attend if accepted, which colleges appreciate.

- Less Competition: With fewer students typically applying ED II than Regular Decision, there may be a bit less competition for spots than in the larger Regular Decision pool.

- Reduces Stress: If accepted, you get to end your college search earlier than you would if you applied Regular Decision, negating the need to await responses from multiple schools.

Cons:

- Binding Commitment: If you're accepted ED II, you have to withdraw all other applications and commit to Lehigh, so it's important to be sure that this is your absolute first choice.

- Limited Time to Consider Financial Aid: The financial aid package you receive from Lehigh must be accepted along with your spot, and there's less time to compare packages from other schools or negotiate your aid offer.

- You Might Need More Time: If you're using your senior year to boost your GPA or you're awaiting fall test scores, ED II might not be the best option, as Regular Decision allows for more time to improve your academic profile.

As for the impact of applying ED II on admissions chances, data suggests on average, applying ED can increase your chances of acceptance. At any school, the boost from ED isn't consistent but varies based on the year and applicant pool, but it's accepted that it does generally provide an advantage.

Remember, it's important to submit the strongest application possible, regardless of when you decide to apply. The boost gained by applying Early Decision isn't a substitute for a well-rounded application. Also, consult with your family and school counselor before making this decision, to ensure that the financial implications are manageable.