@theloniusmonk The feeling at our school is that the HS guidance office’s overall very strong relationships with many colleges benefits current as well as future students. So the guidance counselors don’t want to potentiality damage any one of these relationships these by allowing one student to withdraw an ED application… As the high school has an outstanding track record of getting students into top colleges and is clear about the policy upfront nobody has an issue. Again, this is one high school’s policy, but that is the reasoning. That is why I recommend the OP be upfront with his/her guidance counselor and that they agree on a plan of action together.