<p>Early Decision is binding, well not really. If write a sincere letter explaining why you want to go to X university I’m sure any college/university will be sympathetic and not hold you to your side of the agreement.</p>
<p>Why would a college want a student there who doesn’t want to be there? When they have dozens of kids on the waitlist who will gladly attend. Besides after 1 year you could just transfer, which will bring down their retention rate.</p>
<p>Give it a try for 1 semester, 1 year, or whatever you want. You might find out that after all Washington and Lee University is place you want to spend the next 4 years of your life.</p>