Early Decision & a Change of Hearts

vonlost
Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:33:23 +0000

“Only apply ED if you’re 100% sure that’s the school you want to attend and can afford to attend.”

Not everyone feels that only the well-off should apply ED. Even CC disagrees:

You can decide in advance how much your family can really afford to contribute each year, and if the ED college meets that need, then you can accept an offer of admission, even if it’s not the very best deal you might make. If not, you’re off the hook and can politely decline without penalty.

[Financial Aid and Early Decision - Ask The Dean](http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000198.htm)



Probably the most apparent problem of applying under the Early Decision (ED) option is that if you are accepted, you will get one — and only one — financial aid offer. If it isn’t what you need, this is the only condition under which you can decline admission.

[Applying Early: The Financial Aid Factor - Peterson’s](ASVAB Practice Tests | AFCT Practice Tests)



Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package.

[Early Decision - Early Action - apply to colleges, search](Facts About Applying Early Decision or Early Action – BigFuture)



Can I apply Early Decision if I am applying for financial aid? What happens if I’m admitted and my family can’t afford to pay for it?
Yes, you can still apply Early Decision if you are applying for financial aid. Make sure to follow the financial aid application deadlines and submit all the required forms as outlined on the Financial Aid website. ([Cornell university - Financial Aid](http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/)) When you receive your financial aid package, we expect you to work with the Financial Aid Office to make any necessary adjustments to your package. If both sides have done as much as possible and your family is still unable to afford Cornell, we will release you from your Early Decision agreement, and your seat in the class will be given to another student.

[Cornell Engineering Admissions: International Students, Financial Aid, and Early Decision](http://cornellengineeringadmissions-jill.blogspot.com/2009/10/international-students-financial-aid.html)

^ This is typical of what schools say on their web sites.

If the ED FA offer is insufficient, you just say thanks but no thanks (perhaps after an appeal) and apply RD elsewhere.