<p>Check the date of the above article. Things have changed.</p>
<p>The addition of the language to the Common App has cleared up a misconception. The decision to accept the offer is the applicant’s. Up to a well-defined point. You do not need an “excuse” to reject, but do not have the right to play games by delaying the final decision. If you accept the ED, you have to foreclose all other options. Something dishonest applicants fail to do.</p>