Cornell is my top choice school. I had a preread for athletic recruiting which received positive results, but the coach does not know how many recruits he can support until October, and thus I am not being formally recruited. According to the preread, I could get in with the coach’s support. Interest (in the form of ED application) is a big part of whether the coach will choose to support me. The problem is, I don’t know if I’ll be able to pay for it.
So my question is this:
ED with a huge increase in being admitted but uncertainty of affordability
or
RD with the possibility of not getting in at all.
Thoughts?
Cornell says they meet full demonstrated need. What do your parents say about the cost based on Cornell’s net price calculator?
If your parents are willing to pay that amount and if you are 100% certain that Cornell is your first choice, then ED could be appropriate. Make sure coach knows that your ED enrollment is contingent on your financial aid package closely matching the results of the NPC. Not everyone is comfortable applying ED under these conditions, even though it’s perfectly acceptable. If walking away from the table doesn’t feel right to you or your parents (should the awarded aid not meet projections), then don’t do ED.
Another thing to consider: Cornell should be your first choice school even if you don’t get to play your sport. Make sure you’re choosing the most academically appropriate school for you.
@Otterma I really like what you said at the end of your comment. I had not considered that before and it is definitely something I SHOULD be considering.
Looks like RD is the way to go.
Thanks to both of you.
@“Erin’s Dad” I have run the NPC with my parents. Multiple times, actually. As it stands right now, Cornell is affordable if we eat ramen for the rest of our lives and move into cardboard boxes.
@PrimeMeridian I’ve heard that, but are there any legal consequences if you turn down admission? And does it reflect badly on the school? I don’t want to doom any underclassmen.
It is very stressful to apply ED. not get enough aid, go through appeals, and finally give up on the school. And you have to keep all your other apps going while you go through that roller coaster. If the NPC says it is unaffordable, skip it. Plus. If there is a school you like where you would be recruited that is more affordable, you are giving up that opportunity.