Ever wondered if applying to Early Decision II (ED2) schools could give you an advantage in the admissions process? ED2 schools offer a later deadline than ED1, giving you extra time to strengthen your application, while still allowing you to receive your results earlier than Regular Decision applicants.
In this blog, you will find a detailed list of top-ranked colleges and universities that offer Early Decision II, along with their application deadlines and notification dates. You will also learn how ED2 compares to other admission plans and how it can improve your chances of acceptance.
- What Is ED2?
- Top 50 ED2 Schools
- How Applying ED2 Can Strengthen Your Application
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is ED2?
Early Decision II (ED2) is a binding application plan that allows you to apply around the same time as Regular Decision applicants, typically in January, but receive your results sooner, often in February.
If you are admitted, you agree to attend that college and withdraw all other applications, so you should only apply if you are fully committed both academically and financially.
ED2 schools serve as a middle ground between early and regular admissions. Applying to ED2 schools gives you a few extra weeks to strengthen your application, and decisions are typically released earlier.
Applying through ED2 signals to colleges that you are serious about becoming part of their community, which can help your application stand out in a competitive pool.
How ED2 differs from ED1 and Early Action
Before choosing your application plan, you should know how ED2 compares to ED1 and Early Action. Each option has a different timeline, level of flexibility, and commitment, so understanding these details can help you choose the one that fits your goals best.
- ED2 vs. ED1. Both ED1 and ED2 are binding; however, the primary difference lies in the application process. ED1 occurs in the fall and provides an answer before winter break. ED2 schools typically have January deadlines, which is perfect if you want more time to strengthen your application or if your ED1 plans didn’t go as expected. Think of ED2 as your second opportunity to say, “You’re my number one!” to another school.
- ED2 vs. Early Action. Early Action (EA) allows you to apply earlier in the fall and receive a non-binding decision, providing you with flexibility to compare offers. ED2, on the other hand, follows a timeline similar to Regular Decision but provides an earlier admission result. It’s binding, meaning you must enroll if accepted, showing colleges a higher level of commitment.
If you’re confident about one of your top ED2 schools but missed ED1 or want to use your senior year grades to boost your chances, applying through ED2 can be a smart move. However, if you want to keep your options open, Early Action may be a better fit for you.
Top 50 ED2 Schools
If you’re still searching for the right college but want to take advantage of Early Decision, applying to ED2 schools might be your best move. Many top universities and liberal arts colleges offer this second round of Early Decision, giving you another chance to commit to a dream school while applying around the same time as Regular Decision applicants, but hearing back sooner.
Deadlines and notification dates may vary slightly from year to year; therefore, it is advisable to double-check with each school before applying.
Below is a list of top colleges and universities offering Early Decision II for the current admissions cycle:
| School | ED2 Application Deadline | Notification Date |
| American University | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Antioch College | January 1 | Early February |
| Babson College | January 2 | Mid-February |
| Bates College | February 1 | Mid-February |
| Bentley University | January 15 | Early February |
| Boston College | January 2 | Mid-February |
| Boston University | January 5 | Mid-February |
| Bowdoin College | January 5 | Early February |
| Brandeis University | January 15 | Late February |
| Bucknell University | January 10 | MidFebruary |
| Case Western Reserve University | January 15 | Early February |
| Claremont McKenna College | January 10 | Mid-February |
| Colby College | January 5 | Mid-February |
| Colgate University | January 15 | Mid-February |
| College of the Holy Cross | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Colorado College | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Connecticut College | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Davidson College | January 6 | Early February |
| Dickinson College | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Emerson College | January 5 | Early February |
| Emory University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Furman University | January 15 | Early February |
| George Washington University | January 5 | Late February |
| Gettysburg College | January 15 | Early February |
| Hamilton College | January 5 | Mid-February |
| Harvey Mudd College | January 5 | Mid-February |
| Haverford College | January 5 | Early February |
| Johns Hopkins University | January 2 | Mid-February |
| Lehigh University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Middlebury College | January 5 | Mid-February |
| New York University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Northeastern University | January 1 | Early March |
| Pomona College | January 8 | Mid-February |
| Tufts University | January 5 | Mid-February |
| Tulane University | January 15 | Mid-February |
| University of Chicago | January 5 | Mid-February |
| University of Miami | January 5 | Late February |
| University of Richmond | January 1 | Mid-February |
| University of Rochester | January 5 | Early February |
| Vanderbilt University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Vassar College | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Villanova University | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Wake Forest University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Washington and Lee University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Washington University in St. Louis | January 2 | Mid-February |
| Wellesley College | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Wesleyan University | January 1 | Mid-February |
| Grinnell College | January 5 | Early February |
| Smith College | January 5 | Late January |
| Hamilton College | January 5 | Mid-February |
Let’s say you decide to apply ED2 to Boston University (BU), one of the most popular choices for students aiming high. You would need to submit your application by January 5, including all materials such as your Common Application, supplemental essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts. Standardized test scores are optional, but you can include them if they strengthen your profile.
Once submitted, you can expect to receive your decision by mid-February, well before most Regular Decision notifications. If you are accepted, you agree to enroll at BU and withdraw any other pending applications. This process gives you the excitement of an earlier decision while showing BU that you are ready to commit fully to becoming part of their community.
Applying to one of these ED2 schools can be a smart strategy if you’re confident in your choice and want an admissions decision earlier than the regular round. Just remember that ED2 is binding, so be sure you are ready to commit if you are admitted.
How Applying ED2 Can Strengthen Your Application
Choosing Early Decision II (ED2) can be a smart move if you’re still serious about attending your dream school but want more time to strengthen your application before the Regular Decision deadline while still getting your results earlier.
Below are some of the biggest advantages of applying ED2 and how they can help strengthen your chances of getting into your top-choice college:
Increases demonstrated interest
When you apply ED2, you show colleges that you are not just casually interested in them; you are fully committed. Admissions teams value that kind of enthusiasm because they want students who are excited to be part of their community.
Applying under a binding plan, such as ED2, indicates that you are committed to choosing their school above all others, which can give your application a competitive edge compared to Regular Decision applicants.
Offers a second chance at early admission
If you applied early to another school and did not receive the result you hoped for, ED2 provides you with another opportunity to stand out in an early pool. You still benefit from the earlier review timeline, a smaller applicant group, and quicker decision, while demonstrating the same level of commitment to a new school.
This round can also be a great way to pivot strategically if your goals or preferences have changed after your first round of applications.
Provides time to refine your application
One of the biggest advantages of applying to ED2 schools is that their January deadlines give you more time to strengthen your application. You can use your first-semester senior grades to show academic progress, raise your test scores, or fine-tune your personal essay.
That extra time can help you present the strongest version of yourself and demonstrate growth since your earlier applications. By the time ED2 decisions come out in February, you will have shown colleges that you have used your time wisely and are fully prepared to succeed.
Improves your chances with a smaller applicant pool
Since fewer students apply during the ED2 round compared to Regular Decision, your application receives more individualized attention from admissions officers. With fewer applicants competing for the same seats, qualified candidates often benefit from a more favorable review process.
For example, at Claremont McKenna College, the overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was just 9.6%, marking a record low. But the numbers tell a different story when broken down by application type: students who applied Early Decision were admitted at a rate of 23.4%, compared to only 7.2% for those who applied Regular Decision.
In other words, Early Decision applicants were accepted at more than three times the rate of Regular Decision candidates—a clear advantage that reflects both the smaller applicant pool and the more focused attention admissions officers can give during the ED rounds.
Highlights academic and personal growth
By January, you’ll have access to your first-semester senior grades and more time to polish your essays and application materials. Colleges value these updates because they reflect your ability to maintain strong performance and adapt as you approach graduation.
You can also showcase leadership experiences, new accomplishments, or refined goals that weren’t ready during your ED1 or Early Action rounds. Demonstrating this growth helps admissions officers see your continued motivation and readiness to take on college-level challenges.
Allows you to reassess and refocus your college strategy
After receiving ED1 or Early Action results, you may have a clearer understanding of your academic standing and personal preferences. ED2 provides a valuable second opportunity to align your goals with schools that better match your strengths and priorities.
Whether you’re shifting focus to a more affordable option, a different program, or a school with a stronger community fit, ED2 lets you refine your plan without losing the early decision advantage. This strategic adjustment can make your overall application stronger and more intentional.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does ED2 mean in college admissions?
Early Decision II, or ED2, is a binding admissions option that allows you to apply to your top-choice school later in the process while still receiving an early response. For example, if you apply to Boston University or Carleton College through ED2 and get accepted, you agree to enroll there and withdraw your other applications.
2. How is Early Decision II different from Early Decision I?
ED1 and ED2 both show strong commitment, but they happen at different times. ED2 schools like Bowdoin College and Emory University accept ED1 applications in November and notify students in December, while ED2 applications are due in January with decisions released in February. Choosing ED2 gives you more time to strengthen your grades, essays, or test scores before applying.
3. When are ED2 applications and decisions due?
Most ED2 deadlines fall in early to mid-January, with decisions coming out around February. For instance, Tufts University has a January 5 deadline and releases results by mid-February, while Baylor University accepts ED2 applications until February 1 and notifies students in early March.
4. Which colleges offer Early Decision II options?
Many top-ranked schools offer ED2 to give students another opportunity for early admission. You will find options at universities like New York University and Vanderbilt University, as well as liberal arts colleges such as Middlebury College and Claremont McKenna College. These schools utilize ED2 to identify students who are ready to commit and have demonstrated a clear interest in joining their community.
5. Does applying ED2 increase my chances of getting accepted?
Applying ED2 can sometimes give you a small advantage because colleges know you are fully committed to attending if accepted. ED2 schools like Boston College and the University of Chicago often view ED2 applicants as more dedicated than regular decision students, which can slightly improve your odds. While ED2 does not guarantee admission, your strong interest and readiness to commit can make your application stand out in a competitive pool.
Takeaways
- You can use Early Decision II to apply to your dream schools and get your admission results earlier than the Regular Decision round.
- Applying ED2 shows that you are serious about attending, which can make your application stand out from regular decision candidates.
- The January ED2 deadline gives you extra time to boost your grades, improve your essays, or retake tests before applying.
- You can treat ED2 as a second chance to secure a spot at another top-choice school if your ED1 plans did not work out.
- You can also reach out to a college admissions expert who can help you decide whether applying ED2 is the right move for your goals, identify schools where your application will have the strongest impact, and guide you through the process to maximize your chances of admission.
Eric Eng
About the author
Eric Eng, the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, graduated with a BA from Princeton University and has one of the highest track records in the industry of placing students into Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. He has been featured on the US News & World Report for his insights on college admissions.
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