As of right now, (November of my junior year,) I’m planning on applying to Columbia Early Decision. I know that it’s very, very likely that I will be rejected, so I was really excited when I found out that some schools offer Early Decision II. I know Tufts does, and I loved it there when I visited, so I’m considering that. I was hoping to look into other schools with this option? It would be amazing to have a second chance to show the ultimate demonstrated interest, if Columbia turns me down and I have a clear, without-a-doubt second choice. Right now I’m just hoping to make a list of several different places; it doesn’t have to be a certain “kind” of school. Thank you!
ED2 opportunities are fairly common and their deadline may be around January 1st. (RD applications submitted on time can sometimes be converted to ED2 as late as around February 1st.) However, the acceptance rates for ED programs can vary considerably, with ED1 rates typically providing the greatest admissions chances, while ED2 rates may approximate those for RD. Research individual colleges of interest for their specific policies.
Hamilton, Oberlin, Lehigh and Bucknell are some that come to mind
You’re much better off creating a list of colleges that meet your criteria for the RD round. What appealed to you about Columbia? Pondering that may help you find other colleges that appeal to you.
Once you have a good list, you can see which (if any) offer ED II.
^ Excellent advice.