Wondering how ED2 works…
Are these applicants viewed differently than ED1? Is there still a benefit to an applicant applying ED2? Wondering in terms of strategy-- if my child has a clear first and second choice, should the strategy be apply ED1 to Choice 1 and then ED2 to Choice 2 if rejected by Choice 1.
thanks
for most schools yes ED2 should have “advantage” over RD… just remember you will not be able to shop around for best FA package; however, you can usually still apply to public EAs which is a smart thing to do. Also, if the schools online calculator is way off from what they offer that is also a valid reason to be released from it for other non binding lower cost (e.g. public) schools
Yes, it still has the ED advantage because you still have the same commitment. Even if your ED2 school is second choice after an ED1 rejection elsewhere, it doesn’t change the fact that if school 2 makes an offer it’s binding, and that’s where the principal quid pro quo comes in.
Some schools specifically say that if students are awaiting test scores, awards etc that might strengthen their applications, then it is also advised to wait for the ED2 round to apply.
thanks @SJ2727 --wondering if admissions folks view ED2 as different than ED1…but helpful info!
^ we specifically asked that question of AOs at 2 colleges and both times were told they were treated equally. One of them was one of the ones that specifically said to wait for ED2 if you thought it would be a stronger application.
ED2 applicants may be viewed differently from ED1 applicants, because ED1 admits are the first to be placed in an initially empty class. If the college does the “crafting a class” type of thing, then an ED2 applicant who fits a profile that is already “full” with ED1 admits may have reduced chance of admission compared if s/he applied ED1.
We heard the same from admissions officers as @SJ2727 – that ED1 and ED2 applicants are looked at in the same light since the commitment to attend is the same. They did note that the acceptance rate for ED1 is generally higher because: 1) the hooked applicants (ex. recruited athletes, legacy etc.) typically apply ED1 and 2) a number of students who are a bit weaker wait to apply ED2 so they have extra time to improve their application --ex. show strength in their senior year grades, get updated standardized testing etc.
Not to say it would never happen, but I’d be surprised if any portion of a class (possibly other than athletes and legacy) gets “full” after the first ED round. That would seem an unnecessary limitation on flexibility on the part of AOs, especially for schools that are targets for Ivy/T10 rejects, which many of the ED schools seem to be.