<p>The fundamental problem for me is that many lower and middle income families are skittish of ED precisely because it binds you not only to the school academically, but financially. NU was my first choice and I wanted to apply ED, but I wasn’t sure if I could afford it (I still don’t…), so I had to wait until RD. Thankfully, I got in, but if ED is bumped even higher I fear that this will squeeze out students like me, in addition to the type of highly qualified applicant that NU, along with other top schools, are trying to attract. As much as I like president Shapiro’s commitment to school spirit, I don’t know if it is worth the potential cost.</p>