<p>Yep. Sounds great to me and its the honorable thing to do, since they need to know that you are not committed enough to say it is to the exclusion of all others. Nothing wrong with that, mind you. But they are also considering the yield factor. If Reed is still in the top 3 choices, then what is the problem anyway? Why do you have second thoughts?</p>
<p>Reed is a bit different than many schools, so I don't blame you. But if it is the best school for you, why worry?</p>
<p>Why aren't you just sending them an email about it?</p>
<p>I agree, OniLawliet, with the email, followed by your letter. ASAP. Your first letter sounded very gracious to me. Never underestimate the power of good manners. Sure, a short , to the point letter is fine, but, I appreciate your "apologetic" words, and the result will be the same. (They understand.)</p>
<p>Oni, sounds good. I agree, e-mail immediately, followed up with a hard copy. </p>
<p>Clean up the grammar/syntax a bit: After more careful consideration of the binding nature of early decision, I have decided I will not apply Early Decision II to Reed College. Instead, I would like my application to be moved to the Regular Decision applicant pool.</p>
<p>I'd still put in a line or two about Reed being a top choice. Eventually you will have to commit; you just don't want to do it now.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if someone has mentioned this but please make sure you send certified mail.</p>
<p>What do you mean by "certified mail?"</p>
<p>Yeah, I thought you could change your RD/ED as long as it's before the deadline and you inform them.</p>
<p>Try this on for size:</p>
<p>12/22/07</p>
<p>To the Reed College Admissions Office,</p>
<p>On Thursday, December 20th, I mailed an Early Decision II application to Reed College. Please switch my application to Regular Decision. While Reed is still a top choice for me, the binding nature of early decision in conjunction with my personal circumstances require that I make this change. </p>
<p>Thank you for your assistance and consideration,</p>
<p>xxx xxxxxx</p>
<p>Short, to the point and polite. As others have suggested, send it by email and snail mail. The latter should be by "certified mail, return receipt requested" so that you get proof of delivery back. Any post office can assist you with this if you are unfamiliar with it.</p>
<p>^^^perfect!.</p>
<p>You might want to say "Although Reed is still my top choice..." instead of "a top choice" -- unless it isn't. Like a "Why (this college)" essay, they are looking to see if you want them most; this is especially true if this school is in any way a "reach" for you. Generally, the shorter your note the better, and the less explanation the better ("for personal reasons" is vague enough to reveal nothing damaging, for example, you don't want to suggest doubts about academic rigor or your ambivalence, or anything else that is school-specific).</p>