<p>There seems to be some room for interpretation in the phrase “not be offered an award that makes attendance possible.” It may be possible for a family to borrow heavily for undergrad debt, make significant sacrifices at home, etc. - but the family may not choose to do this. Where does that leave the student? Some parents, perhaps even some colleges, may be fine with the refusal of a binding offer; others are not. </p>
<p>I don’t think this thread is the place to debate the ethics of ED. Being cautious by nature, our family heeded the warnings from adcoms, hs GCs, CC posters, and others not to apply ED unless we could live with the financial offer made by the school. I still think this is the best advice. Some folks may wish to push the envelope, take a “so sue me” attitude, or interpret the words “binding” and “possible” more generously.</p>
<p>W & M Admissions, can you tell us what actions W & M takes when an ED offer is refused for this reason?</p>