ED II deadlines

Overview

Early Decision II deadlines are typically January 1-15. If you were deferred or denied in your ED I application, ED II is another binding option.

What Is ED II

Definition

• Early Decision II
• Binding
• Usually January 1 deadline
• Decision by mid-February

Similar to ED I

• Commitment to enroll
• Single school only
• All same rules

Different Timing

• Later decision window
• More preparation time
• Alternative path

Schools That Offer ED II

Prominent

• Bowdoin
• Brandeis
• Colby
• Colorado College
• Hamilton
• Kenyon
• Oberlin
• Pomona
• Rice
• Swarthmore
• Vassar
• Wesleyan

Check Individual Schools

• Each school differs
• Some major universities
• Some liberal arts
• Verify eligibility

Typical Deadline

• January 1 or 15
• Sometimes February
• Check specific school

Who Should Consider ED II

Deferred ED I Students

• From first ED attempt
• Try another school
• Binding commitment still
• Different school target

Strong Students

• Who didn't apply ED I
• Have clear top second choice
• Realistic admission probability
• Financial affordability

After RD Preparation

• Applications ready
• Thoughtful consideration
• Decisive action

Timing Strategy

By Mid-December

• Decide on ED II
• Begin application
• Or continue RD only

Early January

• ED II deadline
• Submit thoughtfully
• Binding commitment

Mid-February

• Decision released
• Accept if admitted
• Move forward if not

ED II Considerations

Binding Nature

• Must attend if admitted
• Withdraw other applications
• Financial commitment
• Same consequences as ED I

Single Choice

• Only one ED II
• Can't apply to multiple
• Strategic choice required
• Careful selection

Financial Aid

• Packages arrive with admission
• Comparison to expectations
• Only financial reason to back out
• Clear pre-planning

Application Strength

• Strong application essential
• Similar to ED I standards
• Competitive advantage

Strategic Considerations

Your ED I Outcome

Deferred

• ED II another attempt
• Different school
• Binding commitment
• Real chance

Denied

• Consider ED II
• New attempt
• Different target
• Fresh application

Admitted

• No need for ED II
• Already committed
• Withdraw other applications

Your RD Strategy

Strong RD Applications

• ED II still useful
• Adds binding option
• Reduces options but commits

Weak RD Applications

• ED II can improve chances
• But locks in commitment
• Consider carefully

Financial Fit

Strong NPC

• Affordable
• Apply ED II
• Commit confidently

Uncertain

• Test with NPC
• Research thoroughly
• Avoid financial surprises

Weak NPC

• ED II risky
• Can't compare financially
• Consider carefully

Application for ED II

Components

• Same as regular application
• ED II agreement (student, parent, counselor)
• Supplements if required
• Financial aid forms

Materials

• Common App completed
• Supplements submitted
• Recommendations
• Transcripts

Additional ED II

• ED II-specific essay
• Interview if offered
• Updated activities

ED II Agreement

Signatures

• Student
• Parent or guardian
• Counselor

Timing

• Before application submission
• Binding from submission
• Commits all parties

Consequences

• Withdrawal of other applications
• Must enroll if admitted
• Financial commitment
• Professional consequences

Financial Aid for ED II

Same Process as ED I

• FAFSA required
• CSS Profile required
• Institutional forms
• Timely submission

Timing

• FAFSA opens (December 2025)
• CSS Profile available
• Submit with application

Package Timing

• Arrives with admission
• Compare to expectations
• One week to review
• Accept or negotiate

After ED II Submission

Wait Period

• 4-6 weeks
• Decision released
• Email and portal

Continuing Applications

• Non-binding RD continue
• In case of deferral/denial
• Plan for all outcomes

Decision Time

• Mid-February typically
• Process emotion
• Make decisions

If Accepted ED II

Immediate Actions

• Celebrate appropriately
• Withdraw other applications
• Financial aid finalization
• Enrollment deposit
• Commitment

Timeline

• Within 1-2 weeks of admission
• Submit enrollment deposit
• Withdraw other applications
• Confirm enrollment

If Deferred ED II

Moved to RD

• No longer binding
• Continue applications
• Build on deferral application

Updates

• Grade updates
• New achievements
• Letter of continued interest

Parallel Applications

• Continue with RD elsewhere
• Multiple options
• Strategic planning

If Denied ED II

Not Admitted

• Move forward
• Continue RD
• No restriction
• Accept and proceed

Process Emotions

• Disappointment normal
• Not a reflection of worth
• Many paths forward
• Trust in process

Mental Health

Waiting Stress

• Anxiety normal
• Distract with activities
• Continue senior year
• Trust timeline

Decision Pressure

• Binding nature heavy
• Consider carefully
• Don't rush
• Consult widely

Expectation Management

• Realistic chances
• Not guaranteed
• Multiple outcomes
• Prepare emotionally

Family Considerations

Communication

• Parents involved
• Joint decision
• Financial discussion
• Value alignment

Commitment Understanding

• Binding nature
• Financial implications
• Enrollment certain
• Other options eliminated

Common Scenarios

Student A: Denied ED I, Considering ED II

• Reassess strength
• Different school chosen
• Strong application
• Binding commitment

Student B: Strong RD Candidate

• ED II locks in
• Less optionality
• Higher acceptance chance
• Weigh carefully

Student C: Financial Uncertainty

• Risk of locked-in high cost
• Must be affordable
• Research thoroughly
• Consider alternatives

Student D: Unsure of Top Choice

• Don't do ED II
• Maintain RD flexibility
• More time to decide
• Better emotional position

For Counseling

Discuss Options

• With counselor
• Pros and cons
• Timeline
• Strategy

Get Perspective

• Trusted adults
• Family input
• Student-led decision

Research Together

• School specifics
• ED II programs
• Recent outcomes

Long-Term View

Regardless of Outcome

• Strong applications submitted
• Senior year continues
• Growth through process
• Life continues

Multiple Paths

• ED II is one option
• RD another
• Community college
• Gap year
• Multiple colleges

Your Journey

• Unique to you
• Success is definable
• Many definitions of success
• Trust your path

Common Mistakes

Rushing to ED II

• Without consideration
• Emotional reaction
• Not thorough research
• Poor decision

Wrong School Choice

• Didn't fit priorities
• Financial concerns ignored
• Backup not real choice
• Regret later

Financial Unpreparedness

• Not understanding aid
• Assuming affordability
• Surprise costs
• Difficult situation

Skipping Research

• Surface-level school knowledge
• Hasty decision
• Wrong fit discovered
• Unhappy enrollment

Final Assessment

If ED II Makes Sense

• Strong application
• Genuine top choice
• Financial fit
• Binding commitment acceptable

If ED II Doesn't Make Sense

• No clear top choice
• Financial uncertainty
• Multiple schools equally interesting
• Maintain RD flexibility

Trust Your Decision

• Weighed thoughtfully
• With family input
• Professional guidance
• Personal values

Move Forward

• Decision made
• Focus on quality
• Submit strong application
• Wait patiently