Is Early Decision 1 or Early Decision 2 better?

I'm a junior and I've heard that some colleges offer both Early Decision 1 and 2 application options. Could someone explain the main differences between ED1 and ED2 and if one option is better than the other to improve my chances of admission? Thanks!

Certainly! The key differences between Early Decision 1 (ED1) and Early Decision 2 (ED2) chiefly concern timing. ED1 deadlines are usually in November and decisions are typically released in December. ED2 deadlines are later, often in January, with decisions usually coming out in February. Applying ED1 or ED2 signals to a college that it is your top choice, as these decisions are binding—you agree to attend if admitted.

The primary advantage of ED1 is that you'll receive your decision earlier, which can reduce the stress of waiting and give you a potential early end to your college application process. ED2, on the other hand, offers you more time to improve your application, whether that's refining essays, boosting your grades, or retaking standardized tests. As for admission chances, ED1 pools can be less competitive due to the smaller number of applicants compared to Regular Decision, although this varies by institution. ED2 can also give an advantage over Regular Decision, but keep in mind that many ED1 spots have already been filled. Whether one is better than the other can depend on your readiness to apply and your preference for the school. It's important to make sure that every aspect of your application is as strong as it can be before you submit.