What You Need to Know About Early Decision I and II in College Admission

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What You Need to Know About Early Decision I and II in College Admission

Considering applying to college Early Decision? Before you do, learn more about this binding program, the difference between ED I and II, and more.

by
Founder, Moon Prep

Last Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Originally Posted: Nov 25, 2024

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In the frenzied world of college applications, students are best served by making many flexible plans and backup plans…and then making backup plans for their backup plans. Early Decision—a binding agreement where students are obligated to attend a school if accepted—can play an important role in your college application strategy.

Early Decision applications can decrease both the stress of waiting for admission decisions and the time and money spent applying to college. Knowing the difference between Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Decision II (ED II) and including them both in your application planning process could mean the difference between a successful application process or not.

What’s the difference between ED I and ED II?

The key difference between Early Decision I and Early Decision II is timing. ED I deadlines typically fall around early November, with admission decisions released in mid-December. ED II deadlines, on the other hand, can fall anytime between December and February, with decisions typically released in mid-to-late February. Both ED I and II are binding agreements, acting like a contract between the student and the college. This differs from Early Action admission, which is non-binding and allows students to apply to multiple schools without committing to a specific one if they get accepted.

If you’re rejected during ED I at a particular school, you cannot reapply to that same school during ED II; however, you can apply ED II to a different school. If you’re deferred during ED I, your application will typically be considered again in the Regular Decision round, but you also have the option to apply ED II to another college in the meantime. This flexibility can help you recalibrate your application strategy if your ED I decision wasn’t in your favor.

Why do colleges offer all these different admission deadlines?

Colleges offer multiple deadlines for admission to accommodate a wide range of applicant needs and preferences. Early Decision deadlines allow schools to secure a portion of their incoming class early, often including highly motivated students who have demonstrated a strong interest in their institution. Plus, providing multiple options gives students a little more time to decide or refine their list of top-choice schools. Regular Decision, however, remains the most accessible option for those who prefer flexibility or can’t commit to a college without knowing how much financial aid they may receive.

Related: The Top 5 College Application Deadlines You Need to Know About

Benefits of Early Decision II planning and timing

Colleges and universities begin releasing ED I results in mid-December, but waiting until then to plan your ED II application could be too late. Since most ED II deadlines occur in early to mid-January, it’s wise to plan for these early applications alongside your Regular Decision applications, ensuring you have enough time to meet all deadlines.

Applying to a college Early Decision could significantly enhance your chances of admission. For instance, during the 2022–2023 admission cycle, Northwestern University accepted 22% of its ED applicants compared to just 7% through Regular Decision. This trend is common among selective institutions because ED applicants often demonstrate a strong commitment to the school, which is highly valued in the admission process. Since Regular Decision deadlines often fall at the same time as ED II deadlines, consider applying via ED II to your top-choice school to potentially increase your chances of acceptance.

How to choose the right college for early decision

Deciding where to apply Early Decision is a significant commitment, both emotionally and financially. Since you can only apply ED to one school, your choice should reflect a combination of factors:

  • Fit: Does the school align with your academic, social, professional, and personal goals?
  • Finances: Can you realistically afford the college, even if financial aid doesn’t meet your expectations?
  • Passion: Is that college your clear first choice, and are you certain about committing without comparing offers from other schools?

Take the time to research the college thoroughly, considering both objective factors like programs and costs as well as subjective feelings like campus vibe during visits.

Related: What Kind of Early Bird Are You? How to Choose a Nontraditional Admission Deadline

Colleges with Early Decision II deadlines

So you don’t miss a date for the college of your dreams, here is a list of colleges and universities with ED II deadlines for the 2024–2025 admission cycle. Click on the name of each school to explore its profile on CollegeXpress. If you see a green “Yes, connect me!” button on a featured profile, you can click it to request more information straight from the school.

December ED II deadlines

December 1:

December 15:

December 20:

January ED II deadlines

January 1:

January 2:

January 3:

January 4:

January 5:

January 7:

January 8:

January 10:

January 11:

January 15:

February ED II deadlines

February 1:

February 15:

Related: List of Colleges That Accept Many Students Through Early Decision

By carefully selecting where to apply and planning ahead for Early Decision II, you can maximize your chances of securing a spot at a college that truly fits your goals and aspirations. If your ED I outcome didn’t go as planned, ED II provides a valuable opportunity to refine your college application strategy. While the process requires careful consideration, the benefits of applying ED II—including higher acceptance rates, clarity in decision-making, and peace of mind—are well worth the effort.

If you miss early application deadlines, there are still plenty of colleges accepting students through Regular Decision and rolling admission. Find more schools to apply to using our College Search tool!

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About Kristen Moon

Kristen Moon is an independent college counselor and founder of MoonPrep.com. Moon Prep provides one-on-one tutoring services catered to university admission. They guide students through the entire application process, including completing applications, personal statements, supplemental essays, student résumés, scholarships, and financial aid. Their specialty lies in the Ivy League, direct medical programs (BS/MD), and highly competitive universities.

 

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