Don’t fall in love with any schools.
If you go ED and can’t afford it you just created many years of stress. I know someone who just got in EA but no merit. So there is no guarantee and now that becomes a ‘we love it, but" situation. It’s a lot of coin.
She’ll find other schools she likes.
As for others you may look it that Merit is likely not an issue….Charleston, Denver SMU, and American….easier ins. Miami, slightly easier admit. often gives $25k merit. U may look at Richmond too.
Case Western…similar stories to Tulane tho. And there’s many more schools, etc.
Many schools today are trying to force the consumer’s hand…top schools…Penn just announced more than half their class this year will come from ED.
Don’t fall in love. If you need cheaper, you will find much cheaper….like 65_75% less.
I’m sure Tulane is a fine school…but it’s not the be all and end all and while we all have different values and only yours matter, putting oneself into a financial bind is never good.
These are businesses and the consumer is allowing these schools to take advantage. Unless you’re ok at full pop, don’t fall for the marketing.
If you are and able to fully fund or are satisfied with the need estimate and you are 100% sold on it being the right school, then go ahead.
If you have any trepidation, it’s not worth it.
Btw my sons valedictorian was rejected at Tulane (EA) but got into Vandy with merit. So Tulane is not an easy get for anyone.
Just remember there are many colleges that all these kids could do well at and not just the ones they fixate on. If you need to compare offers or don’t want to pay full, then rolling the dice on ED is like playing roulette. The house usually wins!!