<p>Don’t count on being able to get out of the ED agreement if you decide you cant afford it based on your aid. Duke meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need (as they see it) so its hard to back out this way. The decision of whether or not to apply ED should be made through careful consideration alongside your parents-- Duke’s aid is really good but you need to look at your personal situation and make sure you are prepared to handle a reasonable aid package given to you. If not, you can definitely apply RD through Duke and still have a reasonable shot of admission. This would allow you to compare your aid package to other schools.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that the ED admission advantage exists, but it is relatively small. The acceptance rate is higher, but the stats/qualifications of those admitted are virutally the same. The overall quality of the smaller ED pool is stronger as a whole and ED is used to admit a lot of athletic recruits, legacies, etc. which drive up the acceptance rate. Good luck!</p>