<p>For most colleges, showing interest by applying Early Decision increases your chances of acceptance. In regards to Pomona, I've read online multiple times that interest (i.e. EDI or EDII) does not factor into your chances for admission. I was wondering what the advantage then is in applying EDII, when the RD deadline is on the same day. If anyone has any insight on this, please share!</p>
<p>I believe that ED is a booster for Pomona and other non ivy/stanford schools. The primary reason is yield; in today’s applicant pool, there is not only competition between the students, but also competition between the schools. The big name schools usually do not care much about interest (they are always in demand), whereas schools such as Pomona and other top notch privates who receive countless applications need to distinguish between students who would be dedicated to coming to their schools and those who have just filled out an application without really knowing anything about the school. If they fail to do so, their yields would drop, which in turn lowers their ranking and thus lowers the demand for the school (let’s face the fact that many students only use US news and Forbes rankings for applying to schools).
Personally, I was deferred from EDI and then accepted RD. Even though I was technically accepted through regular decision, I would say that I would have not been accepted if it wasn’t for my initial dedication to Pomona through ED1. </p>
<p>If Pomona is your top choice, ED is recommended, especially for next year, where they’ll accept far less students due to overenrollment this year and play it safe by manipulating how many they take through ED.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, you helped me make my decision!</p>