Should You Apply Early Decision II?

It’s December, and that means it’s time to answer one of the hardest questions we get from students all year: should I apply to a college Early Decision II?

Most colleges offer some kind of early application deadline around November 1st, give or take 15 days. Many schools offer what’s called Early Action, which generally means you can apply to as many colleges as you want in the early round. This can give you a leg up and a higher chance of being admitted.

However, some colleges also offer Early Decision, which is not just a regular application or simple request to be accepted. Early Decision is a commitment. It is you telling the college, “I will go there if accepted.”

Why December Brings Big Questions

Throughout December, we get results from early applications: usually it’s a mix of good news and bad news. A lot of students start to wonder if they don’t get an absolute slam-dunk “yes” from their top-choice college in the early round, should they now apply Early Decision II to colleges that offer it, typically around January 15th.

Applying ED2 can mean taking a regular application (or even a different early application) and converting it to Early Decision II. Before doing that, there are three major factors to consider.

1. Can You Afford This College?

This is the same question you should ask for any Early Decision application, whether ED1 or ED2. You can usually find this out by using a college’s net price calculator, which gives an estimate of what you’d actually pay.

2. Are You Ready to Commit?

Committing can be a tough choice, especially if your Early Decision I school (or a school where you applied Early Action and not Early Decision) has deferred you to the regular round. You might still get a yes from them later.

However, if you apply Early Decision II and you get accepted, you are going there.

3. Are You Ready to Withdraw All Other Applications?

This is the part many students overlook. When you apply Early Decision, you agree that if you are accepted, you will:

• make a deposit at that college, and
• withdraw your applications from all other colleges.

So if your Early Decision I school or early top choice has already rejected you, the decision may be easier. Your number two college may naturally become your new number one.

But if you might still hear back from another school, choosing ED2 can feel like a much tougher, more emotional decision.

Final Thoughts

Either way, applying Early Decision II is a deeply personal choice. Think about it carefully, and consider these three questions:

• Can you afford it?
• Are you ready to commit to it?
• Are you ready to forsake all other schools?

If you can confidently answer yes, Early Decision II may be the right move for you.

You can always reach out to us by calling 732-556-8220 or emailing Questions@SolutionPrep.com.

We’re always here to help!