So I just found out about ED 2 and I’m kinda confused. Does it mean that if I apply somewhere ED1 and get rejected/deferred, accepted to an EA, I can still apply ED2 and just say no to the acceptance at the EA school?
yes
ED 2 is a good choice for reasons you have just made clear to yourself. It also means that you get extra time to boost your grades, improve test scores, and confirm that a college is your top choice. Colleges like it because it’s basically money in the bank and makes them appear even more selective.
Yes, if you get deferred/rejected to an EDI school you can apply to your second choice EDII.
If you apply ED2 you must commit to go to that school (just as you must with ED1)