<p>I usually hear that it doesn't make a difference. But I'm curious as to whether some might say that it does. I'm considering applying ED II at American University (DC), because it's one of my top choices, but i'm hesitating due to the commitment it involves.</p>
<p>If it’s anything like their regular ED, then yes:</p>
<p>[College</a> Search - American University - AU - Admission](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board)</p>
<p>Some questions to ask yourself:</p>
<p>Are you financially able and willing to pay full fare if accepted? Or to give up the opportunity to compare FA packages with other schools? Is it definitely your first choice school? Do you really need an ED bump or are you a highly competitive candidate in the RD round?</p>
<p>Wow their regular ED stats are surprising!</p>
<p>Yes, i’m quite hesitant regarding the answers to all of those questions, so I most likely will not apply ED II. Though i’m really not sure…</p>
<p>The thing is, I am definitely not a highly competitive candidate in the RD round. In fact, here is a post where I ask about my chances, you’ll probably understand why I’m contemplating applying ED II to perhaps give me better chances: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1272942-chances-american-university-dc-lower-gpa-good-sats.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1272942-chances-american-university-dc-lower-gpa-good-sats.html</a></p>
<p>yes it helps</p>
<p>Some people, from what I’ve read, say that applying ED can make admissions more difficult due to the fact that you’re being compared to a smaller group than RD is. Opinions on this?</p>
<p>^That is only for EA, which is completely different and not helpful in anyway to chances. ED shows that you have a binding interest with the school…which intrinsically increases you chances. EA is non binding, therefore they scrutinize applicants more than usual to make sure that they get the best ones possible, to the same or better qualifications as RD applicants.</p>
<p>Ohhh that makes more sense! I was confused as to what the difference between EA and ED was but you made it very clear.
And is ED II basically the same as ED? Do admissions view it the same way regarding the applicant having a binding interest in their school?</p>
<p>Aren’t ED II students like leftovers from ED I? I mean a student who’s applying EDII is practically telling adcoms that he got rejected ED I and is now applying to his second top choice. Of course, this is just my opinion. The only thing that matters is that you’re getting a slight boost- and you should be grateful for that. It’s not as good as ED I, but it’s better than nothing.</p>
<p>Well I didn’t apply ED I anywhere, but I guess there’s no way for them to know that.
Okay, thanks for the reply! I’m going to seriously consider applying ED II.</p>
<p>ED1 helps a lot, EDII helps a noticeable amount.</p>
<p>“Aren’t ED II students like leftovers from ED I?”</p>
<p>Or it could just mean that the student didn’t have the test scores available in time, didn’t get their letters of recommendation from their teachers soon enough, didn’t feel their essays were ready yet, or were expecting to add a major achievement to their application in the fall that they thought would make a difference, or just hadn’t done enough research on their schools to know which one was their favorite. </p>
<p>So no, EDII doesn’t mean you didn’t get in EDI somewhere.</p>
<p>EDII helps a little, and IMO, moreso at need-award colleges. </p>
<p>A few years ago, Emory published both its numbers for ED and EDII and the latter was barely different than RD. At least for Emory, there was little bump for EDII at that time. </p>
<p>But a college that is need-aware for admissions, could lock in a more high paying family in EDII.</p>
<p>Well I’m seriously considering applying ED II at American University (DC), so if anyone knows anything about their past ED II numbers, or just anything at all, I’d love to know before tomorrow.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This is an entirely ignorant statement. First, even if that’s why the student is applying EDII, it’s still a binding commitment, which is one of the key reasons for ED having higher admit rates than RD. There’s no need to consider yield and you obviously have demonstrated interest.</p>
<p>Further, there’s plenty of other reasons to apply EDII instead of EDI as M’s Mom listed above.</p>
<p>Only apply ED if you’re sure that’s where you want to go. It’s not worth the admissions advantage if you end up stuck somewhere that wasn’t your top choice.</p>
<p>Remember also that when looking at ED numbers, they include recruited athletes and legacy applicants, so that often explains a good chunk of the increased acceptance rate.</p>
<p>Make sure you can afford the AU if you apply EDII. Schools are not as generous with aid for ED applicants: your commitment is obvious, they don’t have to coddle you, and you are obligated to attend. If you cannot look at the sticker price of the college and know you can afford to attend, than don’t act on desire to get into the school. American’s average graduate debt for undergrads is about 38K for students who made a calculated decision. ED is a serious decision, and while it is tempting, especially at AU (I know, I was really considering it) don’t leap out of desperation.</p>
<p>I found this article to be full of sage advice. I hope it helps you with your decision. Good luck!</p>
<p>[College</a> admissions: is early decision a good idea? | The Well-Trained Mind](<a href=“http://www.welltrainedmind.com/preparing-for-college/college-admissions-is-early-decision-a-good-idea/]College”>http://www.welltrainedmind.com/preparing-for-college/college-admissions-is-early-decision-a-good-idea/)</p>
<p>Thank you! Yes, I finally decided that I cannot apply ED II for AU, tuition and dorms would just end up putting my family in crazy debt, which is a shame, I wish they weren’t so expensive.</p>