<p>The Nov 1 deadline is getting closer and closer and I am really having trouble whether or not I should do ED or not.</p>
<p>I want to do pre-med and I think Columbia would be great, especially since I am a legacy and if I get accepted, I will probably get a lot of financial aid (Income is less that $70,000 for two parents, also have two brothers, etc). </p>
<p>I am not sure whether or not I want to make the commitment or not. I love the fact that the campus is in the city, and I have always wanted to go back to NY at some point. (I moved to FL when I was younger</p>
<p>Right now the other schools on my list are UPenn, Cornell, Duke, University of Florida, and UM.</p>
<p>The other major contender is UF, mainly b.c it is essentially free for me to go there after all the Florida scholarship crap and being a state resident. The also have a 7 yr med program which is supposedly awesome, something most of the other schools on my list lack.</p>
<p>I really need some help on deciding what to do. If anyone wants my stats, most of em are up in the following thread. (yes I did make a chances thread, and yes I know I am a hypocrite :-P)</p>
<p>If you’re in need of FA, I would not apply ED to Columbia, since it is binding, and it’s very hard to get out of.</p>
<p>If you’re worried about whether or not ED will help you get in, from the looks of your chances thread, ED will help that reach school become a slight reach.</p>
<p>However, looking at the whole of your situation, I think you should not apply ED. If UF has a 7 year med program, and you’re interested in becoming a doctor, I would not apply ED. Especially since, UF may offer you money to stay in state. Your FA package should have both FA and Merit Scholarships, since, according to your chances thread, your scores are decent/good.</p>
<p>If you think you can somehow afford an education at Columbia, I would take the ED option.</p>
<p>To address the money situation, especially for ivy-league schools, money’s never an issue. Financial aid for income below $60,000 is a full ride, below 100k or 110k is full tuition, if I’m not mistaken. Either way Financial Aid at many top schools, including Columbia, is great these days. So if money would deter you from applying, it shouldn’t. As far as the medical field, I think Columbia would be great for pre-med, certainly real hard though. And it would also definitely prepare you well for getting in to med school. I looked at your stats and with a good essay and recs I’m sure its a definite possibility.</p>
<p>My guidance counselor told me with ED, if I get in and they cannot offer me a reasonable price, I can get out of it without being black listed. Regardless I am pretty sure that I will have most of my fees paid for if I do get accepted.</p>