With the first round of ED/EA early applications submitted in November, another important deadline for U.S. undergraduate applications—ED2—is almost here.
For applicants who missed ED1 or were not accepted in ED1, ED2 is a valuable early application opportunity!
However, since the deadline is close to RD, many students and parents are struggling: should they apply for ED2 to sprint towards their dream school, or go through the regular RD round?
What is ED2 in U.S. Undergraduate Applications?
Like ED1, you can only apply to 1 school under ED2. It is also a binding application, meaning once admitted, you must attend that school.
Most schools' ED2 deadlines are in early January, with decisions typically released in February, earlier than RD results.
Based on historical admissions data from most schools, although ED2 acceptance rates are not as high as ED1, because RD has the largest applicant pool and the fiercest competition, ED2 still generally offers a better chance of admission than RD.
Which Students Are Suitable for ED2?
ED2 is not suitable for everyone.
If you were unable to fully prepare for ED1 due to time constraints, you can use this period to continue refining your application materials for ED2. For example, if you only achieved your desired standardized test scores in November, you can try to use these new scores to sprint towards your dream school through an ED2 application.
But if you are exceptionally strong and confident in aiming for top-tier schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT, it is recommended to focus on the RD round, compare all admission results, and not bind yourself too early with ED2.
Top 50 U.S. Universities Offering ED2
This year, 13 schools in the top 50 have opened ED2 applications:
University of Chicago
ED2 Deadline: January 5, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #6
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Overall Acceptance Rate: 4.48% (Class of 2028)
Admissions Data Analysis:
Although the school does not release specific early admissions data, based on past experience, a significant proportion of students are admitted through ED1 and ED2, with acceptance rates far higher than the RD round. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the University of Chicago as an ED2 target.
Standardized Test Score Reference:
Although UChicago has adopted a test-optional policy, the majority of admitted students submitted standardized test scores. Admitted students' SAT scores range from 1220-1600, and ACT scores from 23-36. Competitive scores are typically SAT 1510+ or ACT 34+.
Source: UChicago
Johns Hopkins University
ED2 Deadline: January 2, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #7
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Overall Acceptance Rate: 5-6% (Class of 2028)
Admissions Data Analysis:
For the Class of 2029, the RD acceptance rate was only 4%, while the combined ED1 and ED2 acceptance rate reached around 10-14%, a significant advantage. If you want to apply to JHU, ED2 is recommended.
Source: JHU
Standardized Test Score Reference:
JHU requires freshman applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. The middle 50% SAT range is 1530-1570, ACT is 34-36, and the average unweighted GPA is 3.95.
Source: JHU
Vanderbilt University
ED2 Deadline: January 1, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #17
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Overall Acceptance Rate: 4.7% (Class of 2029)
Admissions Data Analysis:
The RD acceptance rate is 3.3%, while the combined ED1 and ED2 acceptance rate is 13.2%. Applying ED2 also boosts your chances.
Source: Vanderbilt
Standardized Test Score Reference:
Vanderbilt does not require test scores, but among those who submitted, the SAT range is 1510-1560 and ACT is 34-35.
Rice University
ED2 Deadline: January 4, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #17
Location: Houston, Texas
Overall Acceptance Rate: 7.8% (Class of 2029)
Admissions Data Analysis:
Note: Rice's ED1 acceptance rate is 13.2%, but ED2 is only about 6%, lower than both ED1 and RD's 7.3%. ED2 competition is fierce; prepare thoroughly.
Source: Rice
Standardized Test Score Reference:
Rice is test-optional. SAT range: 1510-1560, ACT: 34-35.
Source: Rice
Washington University in St. Louis
ED2 Deadline: January 2, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #20
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Overall Acceptance Rate: 12% (Class of 2029)
Admissions Data Analysis:
According to third-party data, the early application acceptance rate is about 25%, while regular is 8%. ED2 is recommended for interested students.
Source: WashU
Standardized Test Score Reference:
WashU is test-optional; 59% of admitted students submitted scores. SAT range: 1490-1550, ACT: 33-35.
Source: WashU
Emory University
ED2 Deadline: January 1, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #24
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Overall Acceptance Rate: 14.95% (Class of 2029)
Admissions Data Analysis:
According to third-party data, ED1 acceptance rate is 31%, while ED2 is 10%, significantly lower.
Standardized Test Score Reference:
Emory is test-optional. Admitted students' SAT range: 1500-1570, ACT: 33-35, average unweighted GPA: 3.83.
Source: Emory
New York University
ED2 Deadline: January 1, 2026
U.S. News National Ranking: #32
Location: New York, New York
Overall Acceptance Rate: 7.7% (Class of 2029)
Admissions Data Analysis:
NYU is international-friendly with a large international student body. However, note that the College of Arts & Science, Stern School of Business, and Rory Meyers College of Nursing are extremely competitive, with acceptance rates below 5%.
Standardized Test Score Reference:
NYU is test-optional. SAT range: 1470-1570, ACT: 33-35.
Source: NYU
Other Schools
In addition to the above, the following universities in the top 50 also offer ED2 applications. Pay attention to the deadlines to avoid missing out:
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Tufts University ED2: January 5, 2026
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Boston College ED2: January 2, 2026
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Boston University ED2: January 6, 2026
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University of Rochester ED2: January 5, 2026
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Wake Forest University ED2: January 1, 2026
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Lehigh University ED2: January 1, 2026
How to Choose an ED2 School
For students particularly interested in the University of California system, if you want to apply ED2, it is advisable to choose schools that are more of a reach. Once admitted to an ED2 school, you must withdraw your UC applications.
If you aim to lock in a dream school through ED2, it is recommended to choose a more suitable school based on previous ED1 and EA results. You can refer to each school's standardized test score ranges and GPA data to objectively assess the match between your academic background and the target school.
For schools with a test-optional policy, it is still recommended to take the standardized tests if possible, giving you more options and increasing your chances of admission.
The 26Fall application season is still in progress. We hope this ED2 school summary helps you better position yourself, seize opportunities, and successfully land your dream offer!
