Just based off some quick research, I found that Pomona’s ED acceptance rate (including EDII) hovers around 14%. The RD acceptance rate is around 7%. Given that a large chunk of the ED pool consists of recruited athletes and legacies, is there really any advantage to apply EDII? When all of the “hooked” applicants are taken out of the pool, is the acceptance rate about the same? I love Pomona but would like to keep my options open if there really is no advantage to applying EDII.
If you want to keep options open, there is no advanatge to applying ED anywhere. I think it’s generally accepted that ED almost always offers an advantage. Your chances are doubled, on paper. Others will say that the pool of ED applicants are already well-qualified students who have done their homework and are likely to be good fits for the school, which is why there is a higher percentage of acceptances. It is true that athletes, legacies, and other types of hooked students apply ED, but those aren’t the only people applying. Apply ED if Pomona is your number 1 top choice.
Have you checked the Net Price Calculator for Pomona to make sure that it is an affordable option for your family?
If Pomona is your absolute, unequivocal top choice, then there is an advantage to applying EDII as admission rates are higher as you commit to attend if accepted and affordable. But if you want to keep your options open it is best to apply in the RD round.
Unlike other institutions, Pomona does not give any weight to legacies.
It sounds like your real first choice is Brown and you got deferred, so I think you should do Pomona RD. Maybe @nostalgicwisdom can comment but my impression is that ED2 is not that big of a bump over RD.
no difference between applying ED and RD would be my guess. ED is a stronger pool so of course more folks are admitted. RD has kids applying who honestly just don’t stand any chance. ED1 may confer that slight advantage, but not ED2
ED2 shows the committee you are picking Pomona over any other school, so it shows you are serious, and Pomona is protecting their yield, definitely an advantage.