When it comes to admissions deadlines, the options and terminology can be confusing—Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Direct Admission, Rolling Admission, and on and on it goes. And then throw in further delineations, like Early Decision 1 vs Early Decision 2, and your head might start to spin. Don’t worry—Hello College has you covered! Let’s break it down.
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is exactly what it sounds like—you decide early which college is your top choice and commit to attending if accepted. In return, the college gives you an early admissions decision, usually by December or January of senior year. If admitted, you’re done with applications and can focus on scholarships (if needed) and enjoying your last semester.
The important thing about Early Decision is that it’s binding, meaning, if accepted, you must withdraw your other applications immediately, even if you don’t know the results yet.
Plus, in most cases, you’re committing before knowing your financial aid package. Some schools may let you back out if aid isn’t enough, but not all do—so be sure to check before applying ED!
So other than knowing sooner, why would you apply ED with this catch? Because it can help your chances of getting accepted! Many colleges admit at a higher rate from their ED applicant pool than their regular decision (RD) pool. For some, the rate is much higher.
For example, Emory University admits over 60% of their incoming class from ED applicants, leaving less than 40% of spots for RD students. Their acceptance rate for ED applicants is around 30% while it is only 10% for RD.
Applying ED tells a college that they are your top choice, and colleges like to admit students who are sure to attend so they can protect their yield rate. And because most colleges that offer ED are highly selective, you can potentially improve your chances of admission significantly if you apply this way.
What is Early Decision 2?
Early Decision 2 (ED2) is just a later earlier decision. No, that’s not a typo.
Some colleges have Early Decision 1 (ED1) and Early Decision 2 (ED2). While ED1 applications are typically due in late October or November, ED2 applications are not due until early January, giving you more time to determine if the ED commitment is right for you.
Additionally, if you were deferred or rejected from another school in the ED1 process, you have time to apply to another school ED2 (just NOT the school that deferred or rejected you). If you’re deferred to regular decision from your ED1 school, you are no longer bound to that school and have the option to sign a binding ED2 contract for another school.
Early Decision 1 vs. Early Decision 2
When it comes to the application process and rules, everything is the same between ED1 and ED2. The questions and essays are the same, you still have to sign the ED agreement, and ED2 is still binding!
There are some differences to consider, other than the obvious later deadline. The first is that not all colleges that offer early decision have ED2 as an option. Actually, most colleges only offer one early decision deadline, and it is the one that is actually earlier, around November. It is gaining popularity with new schools adding ED2 every year. Just be sure to check if your school of interest has ED2 as you are coming up with your application plan.
Does Early Decision 2 Increase My Acceptance Chances?
Typically, the acceptance rate for Early Decision 1 is slightly higher than Early Decision 2. ED2 is still significantly higher than applying regular decisions, but if a college is truly your top choice, dream, only-place-for-you school, you will want to apply ED1 for your best chances.
Benefits of Early Decision 2
Submitting an Early Decision 2 application comes with several advantages that can help students navigate the competitive admissions process strategically:
Time to Improve Your Application
Maybe you want to submit your first semester senior year grades, take the ACT and SAT one more time, or gain more experience for your activities list, all things that could be useful for competitive admissions. Since ED2 allows students to submit applications in early January, you have the extra time.
Higher Acceptance Rates Compared to Regular Decision
While ED2 acceptance rates may not be as high as ED1, they are still generally better than Regular Decision.
Less Competition Than Regular Decision
The RD applicant pool is often much larger and, therefore, more competitive. Applying ED2 means competing with a smaller group of students.
More Financial Considerations
Since ED2 applications are typically due after the FAFSA application opens, families might have more insight into their financial situation.
Drawbacks of Early Decision 2
Despite its benefits, Early Decision 2 also has drawbacks to consider:
Early Decision 2 is Still Binding
Just like ED1, an ED2 application is a binding commitment. If accepted, you must attend, meaning you cannot compare financial aid offers from other schools. If affordability is a concern, this could be a major drawback.
Has Lower Acceptance Rates Than ED1
While ED2 still offers a higher acceptance rate than Regular Decision, it is generally less favorable than ED1. Schools fill a large portion of their class in ED1, leaving fewer spots available for ED2 applicants.
Limited Schools Offer Early Decision 2
Not all colleges provide an ED2 option. Many schools only offer ED1, so students who were rejected or deferred from their first-choice ED school might not have a suitable ED2 alternative.
Colleges That Have Early Decision 2
There are currently about 75 (and growing) colleges that offer Early Decision 2 as an application deadline option. Schools that offer Early Decision 2 are mostly private and/or selective liberal arts colleges. Here are some of the colleges that offer Early Decision 2 as an option currently:
You can find the most up-to-date list here.
Early Decision 2 FAQs
How does Early Decision 2 work?
Early Decision 2 is very similar to Early Decision I, just with a later due date. The same principles apply: you can only choose one school for ED2, and if you’re accepted, it’s a binding decision.
What is Early Action vs Early Decision 2?
Early Action refers to an application cycle that accepts non-binding early applications; if you’re accepted after applying Early Action, you don’t have to commit to that school. Early Decision 2, on the other hand, is binding and requires enrollment at the school should you be accepted.
Should I apply ED2 after being deferred from ED1?
While you can’t apply ED2 to the school that deferred you, you can apply ED2 at a different school, and, in fact, if you have another school you are comfortable committing to, you should, as it typically will sport higher acceptance rates than the regular decision application cycle.
Is applying ED2 to a reach school a good idea?
Yes! Not only do you have more time than ED1 to polish your application, but ED2 still has higher acceptance rates than regular decision.
Your best bet is still to apply ED1 to your top choice or reach school, but if that doesn’t work due to time or rejection/deferral, ED2 is still a way to increase your chances of acceptance. Applying in any form of Early Secision shows a college that you consider them a top choice and will boost their yield rate.
Conclusion
Choosing where and when you want to apply to college is a big decision, and sometimes a complicated one. Ultimately, Early Decision 2 can be a great option for students who need more time to prepare or who were unsuccessful in Early Decision 1, but the binding commitment and financial uncertainty must be weighed carefully before applying.
If you need help coming up with your college application strategy, including not only if/where to apply Early Decision 2, but also how to stand out, how to apply, and more, let us know! HelloCollege has a team of experts ready to provide guidance on everything college admissions. Reach out to schedule your free college planning consultation today.
