<p>I'm curious to thoughts about the advantages of applying ED1 vs ED2? I don't believe Vanderbilt is a "demonstrated interest" school however applying ED2 still sends a message that Vandy wasn't the student's first choice or the student "couldn't get to" the application by November 1 for whatever reason.</p>
<p>I know there are plenty of students accepted under both policies but I wonder if ED1 applicants have a higher acceptance rate.</p>
<p>There are many reasons to apply ED2 and you mentioned some. Two others - you got rejected from your ED1 choice, or you want to demonstrate improvement to your app during senior year. Either way, the school sees it as a protection of yield, which is why the rates at some schools are higher. At others, the math is just more favorable (15% of 2000 competitors instead of 15% of 20,000, where more students may look like you on paper). </p>
<p>If you can’t commit to ED1, ED2 is better than RD, but it shouldn’t matter, if you’re being smart about why you choose one over the other.</p>
<p>Since Vandy won’t disclose separate admit info for ED1 vs. ED2, there’s no way to <em>know</em> if ED1 offers an advantage over ED2 or not. Statistically, they treat it as one big basket of Early Decision applicants. But, there is an apparent advantage (at least mathematically) to go ED over RD. So, it’s really a personal decision–I think you have to KNOW that Vandy is your #1 to go ED1. You never want to regret that decision. ED2 sort of offers you a 2nd chance “1st choice” school. I don’t think Vandy frowns on ED2 apps so do it if you need the additional time or things don’t work out at your 1st choice ED school. I don’t think they mind taking impressive students that might have been rejected (or more likely deferred like so many of them do) from another top notch ED school. But, I think the bottom line is that you need to find your true #1 rather than stress about the difference between ED1 or ED2. :)</p>
<p>Does anyone from the Class of 2018 have any experiences applying ED2 to share? I don’t know of many schools that offer an ED2 and am curious about applying elsewhere first, being accepted or denied, did the financial aid package match the NPC, etc. Thanks in advance! </p>
<p>Vanderbilt is consistent and fair re financial need each cycle, and merit is also offered to some ED applicants --so there is no reason not to “go for it” re the merit essays and apps…as an ED applicant as long as you are prepared to pay your EFC without any merit win.</p>