<p>If the deadline is January 1st for both Early Decision II and Regular Decision at Bowdoin, then what sets them apart? I’d be interested in applying for the ED II if I’m not accepted at my first ED at a different school. </p>
<p>I’m just curious as to how these two methods of application differ, considering that they’re due by the same date. Isn’t the point of early decision that it’s, well…early?</p>
<p>If accepted under ED you have to attend the school. The only difference between ED I and ED II are the deadlines. You can apply to as many Regular decision schools as you would like to, and they aren't binding, meaning you aren't obligated to enroll/attend if accepted.</p>
<p>applying ED tells the school that you REALLY want to go and that your not just applying for the hell of it </p>
<p>that counts for something</p>
<p>The other distinction is that the decisions in the ED2 round are made very quickly. You'll hear whether you have been accepted by early Feb (as opposed to the end of March for RD applicants).</p>