<p>realjoy, it’s wonderful to see your child excited and enthusiastic about college but I think every parent here on CC would caution you that it isn’t a good idea if they are so set on one particular school. The odds are against any student at being accepted, because admission to these programs is so competitive. There really is no way to know until that letter comes in the mail as to whether or not you will be one of those who are accepted. How the auditors react to you is not always an indication of what the outcome will be. Please read chrissyblu’s post about “my hopes for you as you audition”.</p>
<p>I have never heard of any opportunity for an ‘early read’ prior to committing to E.D. at any school. Is this “Admissions Director” at her high school or at Muhlenberg? That’s something new to me, in all the years I’ve participated here on CC. For anyone who has concerns about financial aid, it is never a good idea to apply E.D. I haven’t seen confirmed admission or f/a numbers from any school that would change my opinion there. If you apply and are accepted, you have committed to attend, and if you don’t get the f/a you are counting on, then there can be problems. It’s always a wise decision to apply widely and then in April be able to compare f/a packages and make your decision at that time, if your student is fortunate enough to have several options. The other issue your D may have is that schools will not be able to accept December SAT scores if she’s applying E.D. One other question - hasn’t the deadline for E.D. already passed?</p>
<p>Please encourage her to continue whatever plans she had prior to Muhlenberg for visiting and auditioning elsewhere. Students should always have a list of schools that is appropriate for them, considering artistic and academic strengths and weaknesses, and finances. Only applying to one school is a recipe for sure disaster/disappointment in almost every situation.</p>
<p>Best of luck to her, and to you, on this journey! :)</p>