Vanderbilt Early Decision 2: What is it?

I just came across Vanderbilt's Early Decision 2 option and I'm kinda confused. Can someone please explain what it is and how it's different from the regular Early Decision?

Vanderbilt Early Decision 2 (ED2) is an application option available for students who have a strong commitment to Vanderbilt University but may need some extra time to finalize their college decision. It works similarly to Early Decision 1 (ED1) in that it is a binding application plan—if you are offered admission through ED2, you are expected to attend Vanderbilt and withdraw all other college applications you may have submitted.

Here are some key differences between Vanderbilt's Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2:

1. Application Deadline: For ED1, the application deadline is typically November 1st, while for ED2, the deadline is usually January 1st. This gives applicants additional time to prepare their applications, visit the campus, or weigh their options before committing to Vanderbilt through the ED2 plan.

2. Decision Notification: ED1 decisions are typically released in mid-December, while ED2 decisions are generally released in mid-February. In both cases, you would receive a decision earlier than applicants who apply through Regular Decision.

3. Competition: The applicant pool for ED2 might have a slightly lower acceptance rate compared to ED1, as most highly committed students tend to apply during the ED1 cycle. However, the difference is not usually significant.

The main advantage of choosing ED2 is the extra time you get to strengthen your application, confirm your interest in Vanderbilt, and prepare for the binding commitment it entails. If Vanderbilt is your top-choice school and you feel confident about your readiness to commit by the ED2 deadline, applying through this option can be a great decision that demonstrates your strong interest in attending the university.