Worth applying ED 2, or should I apply RD?

I just got rejected from Duke ED, but I am kind of relieved because I always liked Vanderbilt better. A few weeks ago, I got a full merit based scholarship to Pitt Honors College, and I am still waiting on my decision from Michigan which should be coming next Friday (I really liked Michigan too). Is Vanderbilt’s ED 2 acceptance rate high enough that I should do that, or is close enough to RD, that I should apply Regular? Thank you!

Vandy doesn’t release EDII stats separate from EDI but I heard the acceptance rate of EDII is slightly higher than that of RD. Good Luck!

Hey lefty congrats on the full merit scholarship to Pitt Honors College. That’s a big accomplishment. If money is a big factor for your family, it’s a great option. My own opinion of the EDII vs RD matches Livingteen. Good luck to you. No matter what, you have some great choices.

Thank you! Yeah, money is not a huge obstacle for me, although my ultimate goal is med school, I don’t mind taking out a loan for that. I really loved Vanderbilt and would probably go there over Michigan, so I might as well apply ED 2, since there’s no harm in trying. I really hope I get in!!!

good luck, lefty163. In our family, paying full price for a four year education to Duke was just a mistake for the parents…the Duke grad is very happy. The recession of 2008 is still in effect in some parts of the USA and less so in others. The recession pretty much ended the idea that (all, most) law school grads can expect to recoup their investment in salaries.
Our Duke grad is now attending night school while working full time for an MBA because we cannot help him enough for a more costly two year full time MBA to make sense for him financially. Vandy grad just chose a less prestigious law school in order to receive rare reduced law school tuition.

It is my impression that med school money is pretty scarce and discounts are few. My advice to you is to only apply to Vandy ED2 if your parents can help you some with med school. Room and board alone will likely cost you 20 grand a year if you keep a car. Do you understand that most med schools require your parental income before figuring out what you pay? Yep. Filling out income forms for 25 year olds is kind of a drag unless parents have really got the set aside cash. Even law schools do this. Kind of a shock if your parents do not have money to offer. They don’t care if you are married and if your wife has a job. This goes on till age 28 or 29. These educations are deemed “family responsibilities”.
I agree that med school is one of the only grad school routes where borrowing the whole thing can work out. But be tough on yourself-- as scores of college freshmen who state they are premed will drop out. Takes a lot of fortitude and talent to get into med school. And maturity early (no freshman follies in grades). Granted, I am not saying you can’t do it!

I am glad you love Vandy. But play your long game $$ with eyes wide open. You def have a higher chance of admission in ED2. And Vandy is a great learning community.

@Faline2 I completely understand what you are saying! Right now my preference goes Vanderbilt, Michigan, Wake Forest, and Pitt. And even if I get into Michigan and Wake Forest and not Vanderbilt, I really would consider Pitt just because I would be saving for med school, and it would be a good fit for me. But for now, Vanderbilt is 100% my top choice, and my parents even said that they have enough to help me with med school (not pay completely).

sounds like a solid plan then, Lefty. you are blessed but I am sure you work very hard! good luck, wishing you open doors