For those considering ED II at Emory, the following is a good read.
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/education/edlife/ed-ii-the-not-so-early-decision.html
Timing
What’s the difference between E.D. I and its lesser-known counterpart? Deadlines, for one. E.D. I applications are due in November for a December decision. E.D. II is due in January for an answer in February, nearly two months before regular-decision acceptances arrive. Both are binding: You apply to just one college early, agreeing to attend if accepted.
Prevalence
Of the more than 625 colleges that use the Common Application, about 30 percent offer E.D. I; 13 percent offer both E.D. I and II. Among the latter are selective liberal arts colleges (Colby, Pomona, Swarthmore) and small private universities (Brandeis, Emory, Vanderbilt). But hardly any publics offer E.D. II., and no Ivys.
E.D. II is “definitely on more people’s radar,” said Steven Roy Goodman, an independent educational consultant in Washington. More than half the students he advises plan on applying E.D. II, if necessary. “As early decision becomes a little more competitive,” he said, “it’s not illogical for people to focus on both E.D. I and E.D. II.”
Appeal
“Some kids are late bloomers,” said Matthew J. DeGreeff, director of college counseling at Middlesex School in Concord, Mass. “What I like about E.D. II is it gives them more time to get their application together, more time to visit campuses and do their research.”