I’m not in the situation where I can afford to ED anywhere because if I do get in and can’t get the package I need then I’m totally screwed. Is there a best way to let a college know I will absolutely go there if I’m accepted.
Have you run the net price calculators for each school, (on their web sites?)
If the ED aid package isn’t right, you can back out.
Best way to show the love is in how you match yourself to what they look for, how that comes across in your app and supp. Then they can see you had the interest, drive, and carefully considered. Eg, just to pick something, if it’s a college that likes curiosity, your record and writing should show that. Show, not just tell.
If the school has supplemental essays you can make it clear that it is your top choice there.
Thanks guys, so I can back out of an ED if the finances don’t line up?
@Derek17 Yes. Financial reasons are the only way you can back out of ED acceptance. If you are unable to afford it you can let the college know that and you will not have to attend.
^But you would need to back out upon notification, probably in December. You can’t wait until May to compare packages, because you need to either reject the ED admissions offer for financial reasons or accept the offer and withdraw all your other applications.
Run the college’s NPC or see if you can get a financial aid pre-read. If the EFC is manageable, apply ED. If it is not, you probably should wait.
Other ways of demonstrating interest if you cannot ED: visit campus, interview, write in to ask questions, attend visits to your high school or area by admissions officers. Always make sure the admissions office knows if you have been to an event for their school (by signing in, etc.).