<p>Yes, I would say that the odds of getting in RD do decrease, not just for Swarthmore, but for every college with an ED round. </p>
<p>No, I honestly do not think that applying for FA enters into an admissions decision. Swarthmore continues to be one of the relatively small number of truly need blind schools where admissions decisions are made independent of the information in the financial aid office. I’m not up-to-date on whether this applies to international applicants.</p>
<p>Besides sending a letter of continuing interest and the mid-year grades, your son should obviously update Swat if he receives any awards, honors, leadership positions, etc.</p>