Harvey Mudd ED1 vs ED2

i was thinking of applying to Harvey Mudd Early Decision 2. I just wanted to know that is there any benefit from the admissions point of view if I apply ED2 instead of RD to HMC.

Also, if i apply ed2 to HMC, am I allowed to apply RD to other universities?

I am a California resident if that helps.

Yes, you can apply RD anyplace along with either Mudd ED round. But if you get into Mudd and the aid package is workable, you have to immediately withdraw all other apps.

To answer your question, not only are you allowed to apply RD, you absolutely should since the ED 2 results don’t come out until after RD deadlines have past.

In addition, if you decide to do ED, I would choose ED 1 if possible. That way, if you get in you find out mid-December so you don’t have to go through the trouble and expense of submitting RD applications to other schools.

Actually I am applying to Cornell ED and hence I am applying to HMC ED2 if I get rejected. So like will applying to HMC ED2 give me an added benefit over similar HMC RD applicants (similar in the sense similar stats or competence)

According to the CDS https://www.hmc.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2016/12/Common-Data-Set-2016-2017.pdf

“Level of Interest” is “Considered”…so I suspect it would give you a slight advantage since applying ED shows a higher level of interest than RD.

Well, ED is ED. Level of interest is a given in any ED app, since it is binding.

^Yes, but since it is only “considered” (as opposed to “important”), so I was questioning just how much of a boost it might give.

I think it is the fit question. If you’ve really researched Mudd and it is your “tribe”, it shows in your application. I expect that is the type of interest they want.

My D toured Mudd just two weeks ago. In the info session, they outright stated that there was really no advantage to applying ED (I wasn’t there, but this is how my D reported this to me). She really likes Mudd and was even considering applying ED, but it now sits in her pile of RD schools.

She did add that they were very honest about everything there - not trying to sell the place at all, but rather tell things the way they really are. So being blunt regarding the lack of power of ED fits in with their whole philosophy.

@Silverkey Really? Because I am in the same situation, except I haven’t visited Mudd. I have done a lot of research/had an alumni interview and so far I really like the school, I’m just nervous because I haven’t visited Mudd. I would apply ED II, but if it doesn’t give you that much of an advantage I might just do RD so I can have options.

I don’t think anyone should apply ED to Mudd without a visit.

HMC’s 2017/2018 common data set confirms that there is no real advantage to applying ED at HMC. The ED acceptance rate was 16.1% vs. 15.3% for RD.