<p>I'm interested in applying ED for Duke or Cornell. I have read on some "backing out of ED" forums that it is stupid to apply if you can't pay for the tuition. I won't be able to pay much for these schools, however I do fall in the low income bracket so they should cover most of my tuition based off of my EFC. Can I apply for ED for Duke or Cornell knowing that I will HAVE to back out if they want me to pay $30,000+?</p>
<p>Yes. If your top choice doesn’t offer enough aid to support attendance, you say thanks but no thanks and apply RD elsewhere (but your RD apps should already be ready to send).</p>
<p>If you can’t afford to attend the school, then yes, you can for sure back out!</p>
<p>You can definitely back out, but the thing is you won’t be able to see if your other schools give you just as bad of an offer, or if your first choice school would be willing to match their competitors’ financial aid.</p>
<p>On the ED Contract that you sign it says: If you are accepted under an Early Decision plan, you must promptly withdraw the applications submitted to other colleges and universities and make no additional applications. If you are an Early Decision candidate and are seeking financial aid, you need not withdraw other applications until you have received notification about financial aid.</p>
<p>My recommendation is to also apply under Early Action to another school and use financial aid there as a bargaining chip if you don’t get enough! They want to keep you at their school! </p>
<p>By the way! GO BIG RED!! I hope you apply Cornell ED with me =)</p>