<p>Hey,
Just wondering if applying ED 2 would have the same "benefits," better chance of acceptance, as ED 1. If it matters, this question is directed at Tufts admission.</p>
<p>I don’t think there are really any “benefits” other than them knowing they are your first choice school and that you will definitely go if accepted. So I guess ED1 vs. ED2 doesn’t really make a difference.</p>
<p>Yes, there is a benefit to be derived. They still know that you’ll attend if accepted, giving the same boost as ED 1 applicants.</p>
<p>Yes, but not as much as ED I. It’s simple math.</p>
<p>Let’s say a college has 1,000 entering freshman.
Before ED I begins, all 1,000 spots are available.
Now, let’s say the school gives 100 spots to recruited athletes. That leaves 900 spots that the ED I applicants have available.
Let’s say they accept 300 students in the ED I round, that leaves 600 spots available for the ED II applicants. Now if they take another 200 in ED II that leaves 400 spots that the RD applicants have to fight over.</p>
<p>Bottom line: when you apply RD you are fighting over the table scraps leftover from the multiple rounds of ED applicants and the recruited athletes. Sad but true.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>The problem with your conclusion is your math is too simple. ;)</p>
<p>It’s not that it can’t work out that way, it’s just that you are painting a scene with way too broad a brush. Specifically:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Some schools that have ED1 and ED2 still take the majority of their students in the RD round. It is not a matter of “table scraps” or leftovers. Very good students have options and many do not want to limit themselves to one school nor does the school want to limit their options to the ED rounds. </p></li>
<li><p>Some need aware schools allot specific financial funds to each round, so school acceptances follow the money as well as subsequent applicant acceptances. </p></li>
<li><p>Some schools that have ED look at those rounds to identify terrific applicants that are ‘no-brainer’ decisions to include AND don’t care (significantly) about athletic programs. Carleton College, for example. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>So, it depends, but looking at the specific of ED, EA, and RD rounds and the number and percent accepted in each will give a strong indication to what strategies a school is using. </p>
<p>O.P.,</p>
<p>ED2 exists because:</p>
<ol>
<li> Some kids are not ready by the ED1 deadlines to commit to a school.<br></li>
<li> Some kids take a ‘flyer’ at a top school ED1 and (upon not getting in) now are ready to commit to another school. </li>
<li> Some schools worry about being at a competitive disadvantage with peer schools.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>If you have a 1a and 1b choice of schools that you would REALLY love to go to - applying both ED1 and ED2 can make some sense. If not, completely avoid that option. Either go ED1, EA (if also offered) or RD.</p>