As far as financials, some colleges are willing to give an early FA read. Still doesn’t allow one to compare offers but does let one know whether a college will be affordable or not if accepted.
DS has submitted apps to 2 that are rolling admission. I wish that he would apply to one school ED, as I think it would increase his acceptance chances, but like most things in his life, he doesn’t feel strongly about any one. We are going to visit the final two on our list next week; perhaps he’ll feel differently then.
Our CC told us there were a few schools on DS’ list that would be more likely for him as an ED applicant than RD. Others, not so much. If you’re trying to optimize FA, it may not be a good choice.
In our experience, our CC was right on the mark with her assessment of what would happen with decisions, so I tend to believe her assessment of how DS would have been perceived as an ED vs RD applicant. But there was never any pressure. This is highly personal.
I want dd to do EA but she really wants to opt for ED. I’d prefer her to be able to have offers to compare but she is adamant. We will see how that works out. She knows we need $$$ to make it happen
The ED/EA strategies are causing me a bit of stress. Like you @gardenstategal, DD was told that a few schools on her list would move from match to reach if she doesn’t apply ED. She’s not ready to commit to those, so we will probably apply to some rolling & EA options, but I really hope we don’t regret not going the safer route. Her two top choices are an EA school and a specialized program that doesn’t allow for early decision in any form, so I can see why she wants to wait. It’s nerve-wracking though!
@NYCMomof3 Are you looking for need based or merit aid?
@GMC2918 , it’s stressful, but I would do what you’re doing. A first choice is a first choice!
There are a million ways to second guess yourself in this process, but it really does work out well for most kids.
We just yesterday completed the last of our visits. DS has a firm list of small to med sized LACs, with 2 high reaches and 3 “likelies”. WHile I was hoping in my heart of hearts that he would come away from this last trip saying he wanted to apply ED to one of these last two, that didn’t happen. His ED choice is one of his far far reaches, and is the only school he is 100% sure he’d go to if accepted. CC thinks it is a waste to apply ED there, but they will likely reject him either way, and so might as well know early in the process, right, so he can move on to choices 2-5, which are all great schools and all of which he says “he can see himself there”. This process definitely not for wimps. It is even harder when you have a kid who doesn’t have clear ideas about what he wants.
Anyone with an acceptance yet (for a rolling school)?
@doschicos we are looking for both need based and merit based. I know we can’t afford a lot but the EFC is saying our contribution is double than what is doable. Either way we know loans will be needed. I just wished they would take the tuition we pay for our other two children into consideration
@SevenDad - Yes! Swimkid was accepted to a small LAC school he loves that has a swim team for next year! Now we wait for the FA package and press on with applications to the in-state financial safety. It feels good to have an acceptance, but the process is still fr from over…
Yea for NCSwimkid! Having a good offer in hand really lightens the pressure!
@NCSwimmom: So awesome to hear that! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to hearing other success stories from the BS class of 2018 as the year progresses.
@NCSwimmom congrats on the first acceptance!
This just in: 7D2 let us know that her ED app has been submitted. Now the waiting game begins…
@NCSwimmom Congrats to swimkid!
DS has submitted his ED application. The school FINALLY submitted transcripts and recs for the 3 of his that are rolling admission, so we should hear about that in 2-3 weeks. The rest (requiring additional essays) are in progress - but not due until Jan, so there’s a bit of a cushion.
Thanks everyone!
DD’s “first choice” is a program that doesn’t participate in ED/EA. So she is still grappling with which schools to apply ED/EA/rolling, if any. I’m hoping that she will submit an EA app and a rolling app, to at least have some finished. My complicated child has chosen the complicated route for sure, but it’s what she really wants. It’s so hard to say no to ED, with the assumption that it will diminish her chances at many of them. I’m not sure how this strategy will pan out, but I am proud of her for choosing a path and deciding to stick with it.
No downside to EA/rolling, right? It’s nice to have a yes or two in one’s pocket before the gauntlet of the regular decision cycle.