Does applying EA increase Merit Aid Chances?

Paying for College
1

<p>As a hard and fast rule, IK that EA increases the likelihood that one would get accepted. However, I am already basically guaranteed admission at most of the few schools on my list that do offer EA. They are basically ‘merit aid safeties.’ The once exception is Colorado College. I am pretty sure I’ll apply EA there and it is my top choice next to West Point (IK, they both have very different environments).</p>

<p>Would it increase my chances in receiving merit aid if I applied EA to the other three schools I am considering that offer it:
Willamette
Beloit
Rhodes (still on the edge if I am going to apply here, but I have plenty of time since I’m a junior)</p>

<p>It is probably different for each school, but I’m just not sure where on their website to find this information.</p>

2

<p>I think it would help a little bit, just because you get to the merit aid funds that much sooner.</p>

3

<p>A lot of colleges have a “we give money until we run out” policy, right? So theoretically, for those schools, the earlier you apply, the higher your merit aid.</p>

<p>Edit: Does it say anything to that effect on the schools’ scholarship pages?</p>

4

<p>Beloit’s EA deadline is Dec 1.</p>

<p>[College</a> Search - Beloit College - Deadlines](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board)</p>

<p>And, yes, it will increase your chances of merit $$$. In fact, at many schools, people who apply early are first in line for the awards.</p>

5

<p>Many schools have Dec 1st deadlines for scholarship consideration - but many of those schools also have rolling admissions.</p>