What is the benefit of ED2?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
1

<p>Hey, I'm a little confused as to the benefit of ED2 at Tufts.</p>

<p>I've been going back and forth between Penn and Tufts... but after a recent visit, I feel very confident that Tufts IS my first choice and I chose not to apply to Penn ED for this reason. </p>

<p>I didn't apply ED1 because I wasn't positive that Tufts was my number one choice at the time, but now I think I want to apply ED2. The only thing is... I don't see the benefit. Tufts claims that there is no admissions boost when you apply ED, and ED2 applicants don't find out admissions decisions any earlier than RD applicants. The only difference is students are locked in and can't consider other financial packages.</p>

<p>So, Tufts is without a doubt my number one school... but why should apply ED2? </p>

<p>Maybe Dan can answer this one?... ha</p>

<p>Thanks for any input in advance!!! :)</p>

2

<p>I’m curious about this too. I feel like there must be SOME boost by applying ED, just because it is the way of showing interest IMO. Actually, this is really funny because Penn and Tufts are two of my top schools as well, anonymous.</p>

3

<p>“and ED2 applicants don’t find out admissions decisions any earlier than RD applicants.”??</p>

<p>Where’d you get that idea? ED2 applicants hear in February.</p>

<p>And the benefit is that there is no more compelling demonstration of interest than applying ED. Demonstrated interest can be important because schools play a certain numbers game. THey would like to admit the smallest numbers of applicants who pass muster in order to get their target class size. When they admit an ED applicant, they are getting a 1-1 yield on admissions to matriculating students.</p>

4

<p>Pros Cons of ED2 vs ED1, explained:</p>

<p>You’ve already gathered the basic information on ED vs. ED II, so I’ll share with you how our office perceives the role of ED II in the process. </p>

<p>Some students are able to present better applications in January than in November. You loose two opportunities to sit for testing and you don’t have a full semester’s compliment of grades when you apply ED round one. Some students need or want to demonstrate something about their progress as students – they do themselves a disservice if they apply without midyears. Other students don’t start taking their testing until later, or they haven’t had time to take the subject tests, or they aren’t satisfied with scores received in October – applying earlier means using testing that isn’t, they feel, indicative of their abilities. ED II is, ideally, a way to create a more even opportunity for students who need that time. Of course, students that don’t need that time and who want to apply early will do so in November.</p>

<p>And, of course, since it is Early Decision, we notify our ED2 applicants by mid February, ahead of the schedule for regular decision to take some of the guesswork out of the rest of senior year. </p>

<p>The disadvantage to ED 2 is needing to submit multiple applications. You will likely need to send out all of your applications with ED round 2, whereas if you are admitted, the November round steps past that through December 15th notifications.</p>

5

<p>Thanks so much! I wasn’t aware that students found out earlier with ED2, (I know it sounds dumb, since it’s “early” decision). I guess I just figured since I think RD and ED2 applications are due the same day, that decisions would come out of the same day. </p>

<p>So the benefit of applying ED2 to Tufts is just the earlier notification, right? Is it true that there is no admissions boost (as the website seems to suggest)?</p>

6

<p>There are different interpretations of “admissions boost.”
If your application would not qualify you for admission RD then you don’t get in just because you’ve applied ED.
That being said, keep in mind that not all applicants who are qualified for admissions RD actually get in; it just isn’t possible. So if you apply ED, you might get a “boost” of a different sort; i.e., if you are qualified for admission you are probably less likely to lose out just because of the inevitable numbers game.</p>

7

<p>Thanks! That definitely makes sense. That’s what I initially thought, but the statement about ED admissions and qualifications and such made me wonder.</p>