Over the past week, thousands of high schoolers received early decision one (ED 1) announcements. Those who did not gain admission will have the option to choose another college for Early Decision Two (ED 2).

While ED2 might seem like a second chance to pick a favorite school and boost chances of admissions, here is why this policy is a bad turn for universities and students.

The advent of ED 2 has delayed the college exploration process for many students. For a 17 year old to definitively decide anything is hard. Choosing a college to spend the next 4 years is even harder. With the option to apply ED 2 and not submit an application until late December, many students delay college visits and standardized tests until senior year. This is definitely a mistake since deciding to make a binder agreement with a university is a major life decision. For students interested in ED, we recommend that parents start college visits at the end of 10 th grade.

ED 2 may encourage students to apply to fewer schools for regular decision. ED 2 applications are generally due at the same time as regular decision applications. Most high schoolers do not accurately estimate their chances of acceptance. We see that most students tend in the direction of over-estimation. We fear that the introduction and spread of ED 2 might lead some students to not fully explore their regular decision options.

Sorting. Academic research should further explore how ED 2 impacts students’ calculus on where to apply ED1, ED2, and regular decision. Game theory experts like Parag Pathak at MIT and Alvin Roth at Stanford have studied the role of sorting in NYC specialized high schools. See this article http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/nyregion/how-game- theory-helped- improve- new-york- city-high- school-application- process.html? _r=0

The introduction of ED 2 could be distorting the choices that students are making. Further research should be done so families and counselors can understand the pros and cons of ED 2 in the college admissions process.

Tutoring Solutions Group offers college guidance and admissions counseling to families in NYC and northern NJ. We also now offer guidance to international students. Contact Us to learn more 201.816.0248