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You sign forms committing you will go to Duke if you apply ED as long as they meet your financial need which is based on their calculator - not what one thinks they can afford. There is no bargaining after that. It would be a real mess if one backs out of ED admission and it could cost admission into other schools. ED is for the rich who can pay full price and the low middle class who get significant financial aid. Those in the middle need to wait and do RD and see what they can get so they can make an informed decision.</p>