<p>If you apply ED, does that mean that you are required to be able to pay for its full tuition, regardless of how much the college offers you? What if they do not offer enough and you have already agreed to attend via binding ED?</p>
<p>Skidmore is my #1 choice, and I would like to apply ED II to increase my chances of getting in. However, there is no way I can pay for full tuition, and I need to know what happens if the ends of what I can pay and what they give me do not meet, under ED?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Have you run your family’s income and assets through one of the online calculators to get a guestimate of your family contribution? You might want to do so. If you find that your family contribution is estimated to be a LOT more than you anticipated, that will help you with this decision.</p>
<p>Also, find out if Skidmore guarantees to meet full need for accepted students. If not, you may find your family being expected to pay more than they feel they can.</p>
<p>Have you discussed this with your parents? How much ARE they willing to contribute annually?</p>
<p>Truthfully, it is my opinion that if financial aid is a significant factor you should NOT apply ED. You should apply to a variety of schools where, in the end, you will be able to compare financial aid offers.</p>
<p>Not being able to afford a school based on the aid offer is the one reason you can decline an ED acceptance. But, as Thumper states, if you really need FA it is unwise to apply ED. You lose your ability to compare offers from schools. Also, Skidmore does not guarantee to meet need:
[Skidmore</a> College: Prospective Freshmen FAQ](<a href=“http://cms.skidmore.edu/financialaid/freshmen_faq.cfm]Skidmore”>http://cms.skidmore.edu/financialaid/freshmen_faq.cfm)</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses! I decided not to apply ED and am going to wait and see about the $$$ “packages” in the spring, definately the best option for me. Thanks again.</p>