Hello,
I don’t have all the answers but decision by March 1st means it can be earlier because I think DePaul is a rolling decision. EA were supposed to hear by Feb 1st and most of us received it in December or beginning of January.
Not sure but if the Presidential scholarship is their highest so it’s $24500. This is a merit one so you can hope for an additional need based scholarship later on, in the financial aid package.
FA package arrives usually later, probably because they have to plan depending on who already accepted their offer, and the RD applicants. So EA’ s FA should arrive at the same time as RD applicants.
Honors program doesn’t mean more money, just perks like choosing before others your room, sharing this room with another honor student, some classes that you have to take, closer relationship with teachers… etc. They probably have a link on their website that explains all. Not really time consuming applying, but yes, another essay, perhaps 2, don’t remember, plus something else to send. I think my D sent an art piece and commented on it.
I think your son has great stats so DePaul could be interested in his application.
D received 24500 from DePaul and 29000 from Ithaca. But the tuition are also different so it’s about the same.
I understand the burn out sentiment. My D applied only to 9 institutions and she found it exhausting. It’s also because she’s applying in their film programs and this is always really demanding : multiple essays and portfolio and creative sample… etc. I think if the list is well balanced, and if researches have been done correctly, there is no need to multiply the applications. My other kids applied to 4 the previous years, even only one for one of them, as a transfer to a state university, and it worked very well.
I hope this helps. Good luck to your son.