<p>Can someone please explain the theory behind ED1 AND ED2? Why would a school offer both?</p>
<p>A good friend’s D applied ED2 a few years back because she was simply too busy with soccer and other fall activities to get things together for the ED1 deadline. They believed the frequently repeated adage that there is no difference between ED1 and ED2 and felt that having dad as an alum would be beneficial (that’s not so much of a preference as it was 10 years ago). She was accepted, btw. One of my kids worked in OUA for several years as a work study and says there is (was) a slight benefit to ED1. If you really know you want to attend Vandy, I would say get it together and go ED1 if you are committed.</p>
<p>living61, some colleges/students opt for two ED periods for other reasons. Such as having a 2nd shot at another ED round at CollegeB if you are denied in ED1 at College A. It’s always best to spread the love and attach to more than one college. It is definitely harder to gain admission in RD season but I think it is important to understand four things: 1. If you are full-pay, you have something to forfeit…you may be giving up chances of merit offers in the RD round. (Vandy does offer some ED students their merit awards). If you are going to a school that is need blind, and you are going to get financial aid that is about the same everywhere and quite good at College A, ED makes pretty good sense. 2. Some colleges ED turn downs are final. Other colleges defer some students to the RD round. Every college does it differently to suit their institutional needs. 3. At highly selective colleges with a ton of applicants like Vandy, I don’t think you can count on ED being any “less rigorous” in terms of stats/grades/resume of applicant. The ED class really does look a lot like the RD class; they are just individuals who were ready to decide and commit. Keep in mind that every ED admit was poised to put out more applications in December if not admitted. 4. Not every high school senior really knows what they want in October and November of their senior years. My two guys changed their directions entirely by April. If you are happy with your flagship and your safety school in April, RD can offer you more time to think and put your hat in the ring.</p>
<p>deleting a draft response</p>