When to apply in early decision?

Applying to College
1

My academic overall aren’t at its best. However, I have good scores in the individual subjects that aligns with my major, i.e. Physics. I was considering reed-college. As they provide both need-based and merit scholarships, I thought I could have a chance despite having very low (or even none) EFC. I know that they are need-aware.

I don’t know much about the environment. But, other factors such as the physics program, and most graduates pursuing research, very closely aligns with my goal.

My SAT score, 1390, is the mean of combined admitted students in Reed College.
I know that it’s competitive, so I was thinking if I should apply somewhere in ED where I have chances, or somewhere like Reed where my future interests match.

2

What year are you in high school?

3

Graduated this year.

4

Then you have likely missed the ED1 deadlines for just about every college.

5

Yes. And, Reed College have ED2. I have some other colleges in my list that have ED2 as well.

6

You are an international student who needs a full ride. Please understand that an ED acceptance is binding…which means you are supposed to accept it…if offered.

In your case, since your need is so high, I would suggest applying regular decision so that you can compare net costs amongst all your acceptances.

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7

I read in some of the colleges’ websites that if students must wait until they get feedback about the financial aid if they can’t pay the tuition.

8

Yes. If the aid isn’t sufficient, then you can decline. But what’s the point? Yo7 need to be able to look at multiple acceptances AND your net costs.

9

Showing my enthusiasm to study there

After I decline, I can wait for other universities reply.

10

Just an fyi, Reed does not have merit scholarships. They do meet full need.

https://www.reed.edu/admission-aid/costs-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/first-year-applicants/faqs.html

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If you get accepted ED, that might be your best net cost but it might not be. No way to compare once you have accepted an ED offer.

But your choice, I guess.

Even colleges that meet full need ( as they define it) can have net costs that vary by many thousands of dollars.

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12

If you are accepted ED2 and decline due to financial aid concerns, you can’t go back to them later and say “I changed my mind. Your offer was the best one I received and I’ll take it.”

I agree with @thumper1 that applying RD to a number of meets need schools is your best option.

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