<p>I'm still really confused about ED II... </p>
<p>The deadline is the same date as RD for many schools, yet I thought we were only supposed to apply to ONE school for early decision? So it is impossible to apply ED II to one school + apply to a few others? What if you don't get in ED? You simply don't go to college at ALL? </p>
<p>And also, is this a drawback -- applying ED II (with RD schools if possible?) but hearing back in March so you never know if you got into your RD schools or if you got finaid...</p>
<p>You would apply ED II to a college if you require exta time to prepare your application (e.g., also needing the "boost" of first semester grades from your senior year -- which ED I applications generally do not require). </p>
<p>OR... you apply ED II after you have been deferred/rejected by your ED I college... AND... you had another college which was a very close No. 2 school that you also like BETTER than all other colleges on your list.</p>
<p>Based on what you've mentioned, it sounds as if financial aid might be important. Given that ED II (as well as ED I) is a binding commitment, you will not have the opportunity to make comparisons in financial aid packages from other RD schools you hear from. If you are accepted ED II, that college will fully expect you to enroll, regardless of the type of financial aid package offered.</p>
<p>I seee, this makes sense :)</p>
<p>So I assume from your post, that you can apply RD to other schools while applying ED II?</p>
<p>precocious, you can apply RD to other schools at the same time that you apply ED (I or II) to your top choice school. The restrictions are that you can other apply to one ED school and you must withdraw all RD applications AFTER you've received an ED acceptance. </p>
<p>And yes, you are right these are two drawbacks to early decision:
1) You never know to what other schools you might have been accepted and
2) You can't compare and negotiate financial aid offers. The first is, I think, a minor annoyance, but the second can be a major negative, depending on your need and risk levels, so if you will depend on aid -- either need based or merit -- think carefully before deciding to go with ED.</p>