What's the deal with Tulane's Early Decision II option?

I'm really considering Tulane and I heard they have an Early Decision II option. Can anyone share what this means for applicants and if there are any strategic advantages to applying ED II?

Early Decision II at Tulane University functions very similarly to the standard Early Decision (ED) option at many colleges, with one key difference: it has a later deadline.

Tulane's Early Decision II gives students the chance to demonstrate their tremendous interest in the institution by making a binding commitment to attend if admitted. Applying ED II can also help students who need a bit more time to strengthen their application before they make this binding commitment.

As for strategic advantages, whilst Early Decision isn't a way to bypass competition, there can be some potential benefits in applying this way. For starters, colleges like Tulane may admit a sizable portion of their class through Early Decision rounds, and the applicant pool tends to be smaller. This can sometimes lead to a higher acceptance rate for ED (including ED II) compared to the Regular Decision pool.

However, you also need to consider the fact that the applicant pool is typically highly competitive, with many high-achieving students applying ED. Furthermore, because ED is binding, you should only use this option if Tulane is your absolute top choice and you have no concerns about the financial aspect (as your ability to compare financial aid offers from other institutions is limited).

Overall, ED II can be a great option if you're certain about your desire to attend Tulane, in need of a bit more time to finalize your application, and you've had a frank discussion with your family about its financial feasibility.