If I get accepted ED-II to washu and send in the deposits within 2 weeks, but decide to take a gap year afterwards. I have 2 questions:
(a) Will the contract still be binding, or will I be able to apply to other colleges next year?
(b) Will having backed out of the contract due to my gap year negatively impact my applications to other universities the following year?
You’ll have to see what the contract says. I wouldn’t expect to be able to shop for new schools while still keeping a spot at an old one though. If you want to apply to other colleges why bother to accept an ED spot?
If you paid a deposit once accepted, it would be considered binding especially for ED.