<p>Thanks, Peter:</p>
<p>The Vassar number means that roughly 80% of their internationals qualify for, and receive, need-based grant aid. That is a little odd because it is much higher than the percentage for US students (54%). It could mean that Vassar has an earmarked endowment for internationals, I don’t know.</p>
<p>I hate to raise this, but…</p>
<p>If you aren’t sure which college you would prefer AND if you need to shop financial aid packages, perhaps you should not be applying ED. Either one of those conditions, by itself, would typically be reason enough not to apply ED. The combination would make me think long and hard about whether Early Decision is the right move for you.</p>
<p>Putting aside the issue of applying ED when you aren’t sure about a college…the finanical implications are worth thinking about. In my opinion, ED makes sense for two kinds of applicants: the first is a student/family who has decided that they can live with whatever financial aid package is offered. In other words, they’d like to pay less, but ultimately the difference in possible aid packages isn’t going to change the decision if the school is the right place. The second is the student/family who needs, and is likely to qualify for, a full-scholarship to even consider attending. In that case, ED is not too risky because if the package comes up short, there is no way you can enroll and the college would let you out of the commitment. In between those two extremes, the ability to compare financial aid packages is pretty useful.</p>