Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Should you apply for early decision when you know you won't be able to go if you don't get a great financial aid package? Are you still bound if they accept you but don't meet your need? Has anyone had firsthand experience with this type of problem?

By Nymom (Nymom) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 10:18 am: Edit

Ann: check out the thread entitled "second thoughts about ED choice." My opinion on this is that you are not "bound" to accept if you are not satisfied with the package, but that ED is probably not a good idea for a family looking for a "great" package.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 01:41 pm: Edit

My daughter considered applying ED, as her school Reed includes those who apply ED as priority for aid after returning students. However she opted not to, and she recieved a great package anyway.
If the aid package is not quite enough to allow her to attend the school of her dreams, I would also suggest talking to the aid department as they may reserve most aid for returning students and increase aid to sophomores.

By Anngold (Anngold) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 03:44 pm: Edit

Nymom - Thanks for pointing me to the other thread on this. I didn't see it before.

Emeraldkity4 - It's good to hear there is hope without ED. Congratulations to your daughter!

By Mike (Mike) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 12:34 pm: Edit

There are some schools like DePauw that wiil tell you your merit scholorship if you are admitted in advance. Seems more like buying a Saturn then negotiating.