<p>Should I apply for Early Decision? Cornell is my first choice.</p>
<p>What's holding me back is Financial Aid. My parent (singular) only makes a gross income of about $14k. The EFC calculator estimated that my parent would have to pay $0 because I also have 2 brothers.</p>
<p>Does it seem risky to apply for Early Decision?</p>
<p>I do not think it is risky considering you will be paying close to nothing as long as your parents do not have big investments. You should read up on the new Cornell fin aid initiative([Prospective</a> Students](<a href=“http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/studentinfo/prospective.cfm]Prospective”>http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/studentinfo/prospective.cfm)) </p>
<p>The small amount of money you would maybe have to pay can easily be covered with government loans. If you really want to attend Cornell , I say go for it.</p>
<p>Unless your family has a ton of assets (over 100k), you would pay nothing but a $2000something student contribution (which goes toward books, supplies, and personal expenses). This can be EASILY earned over the summer. Your room, board, and tuition would be covered by Cornell in grants and a small work study award which you can cover by working a few hours a week in an on-campus job they’ll help you find. Cornell is one of the few early decision “safe bets” for kids with low income looking for good finaid packages.</p>