<p>I'm planning to apply ED to Columbia. However, if things don't work out, my absolute second choice is Swarthmore (maybe even my 1.5 choice). Could I apply ED II there? ED II has a Jan. 2nd deadline, but earlier notification. Would that violate any agreements?</p>
<p>bump! (ten characters!)</p>
<p>If you're rejected from Columbia, I don't think it would violate any agreement. Once they release you, you're free (of course, it might be better to be shackled to Columbia :) ) I don't know what happens if you're deferred. You'll have to explore Swarthmore's policy on retaining applications to other institutions (RD) while applying ED there.</p>