<p>As a mom of 3 kids in college (Wake Forest, Cornell & Syracuse) I sometimes felt that the only advantage my kids had in the application process was the ability to apply to a lot of schools. The testing , the grades, the EC’s the leadership roles, etc… all being evaluated and ranked; it seemed like the colleges held all the cards. I think it is nice that students can hedge their bets a little.</p>
<p>PWoods,
I did not say that 100% of ED students are full pay, although I have little doubt that it is much more common than RD students. I said that an implicit promise of payment without grants capability by the student is a feather in the cap, like being an URM or athlete.</p>
<p>It is illogical to conclude that promises of meeting 100% of need means a level playing field, since the college has every leeway in meeting “need” with loans to ED candidates, and grants to RD candidates.</p>
<p>The Ivys may well be able to fill their seats with kids who are both smart AND rich, but I have little doubt that money kicks in for non URM, non athlete kids in ED at lesser but still sought after schools. Has anybody seen data on SAT test results for ED vs RD groups ? Take out the athletes, group by ethnic group, and we will see how much money is worth.</p>
<p>‘Knowledgeable about the process’ as the explanation for moneyed kids getting a leg up in admissions is a soporific for people who have trouble with truth.</p>
<p>Bump to my post #19 … please !</p>
<p>I hate how Duke releases this stuff AFTER I’ve already done it. A week after ED apps were due, they did that very informative interview for Duke applicants with the Dean! And now that I’ve already sent a letter to them, they post this. :(</p>