I SHOULD know this but don't...HELP

[tonymom]

For those of you more knowledgable…
If S is applying ED non-binding as a recruit is him limited to just applying to one school?
I understand what “binding” means but what’s in it for the college and the coaches to have a recruit do ED non bonding?
Sorry…confused…

[Swimkidsdad]

The following is from The College Board and may be helpful:

Early decision versus early action

Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1. Counselors need to make sure that students understand this key distinction between the two plans.

Approximately 450 colleges have early decision or early action plans, and some have both. Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.

ED plans have come under fire as unfair to students from families with low incomes, since they do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers. This may give an unfair advantage to applicants from families who have more financial resources.

ED applicants
• Apply early (usually in November) to first-choice college.
• Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December).
• Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family.
• Apply to only one college early decision.
• Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.
• Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED.
• Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.

EA applicants
• Apply early.
• Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).
• Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt.
• Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.
• Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date.

[Swimkidsdad]

You can apply to one college ED and you can apply to many colleges RD but if you are accepted ED then you should attend the ED school.

[tonymom]

Thanks!
This is very helpful…

[classicalmama]

The likely letter adds a layer of commitment to the EA acceptance. A kid who gets in EA with a likely should treat his/her acceptance as ED because the school has committed an athletic slot to that student that would be very difficult to fill in the spring.

[tonymom]

Thanks for everyone’s help. My kiddo got a call from the coach saying his LL is in the mail. This forum has been crucial in helping me understand all the facets of this process!
Thanks again!