<p>I have heard that students admitted early decision at Wes get less generous grant package than those admitted regular. I know this school claims to be need-blind. But once you are locked into an ED contract, the school has less incentive to offer a generous package. Has anyone experienced this?</p>
<p>Thank you!!!!</p>
<p>I really don’t believe this is true, but I don’t have any firsthand (or even secondhand) experience with ED FA packages, sorry.</p>
<p>I knew that I was going to need a substantial amount of financial aid to be able to afford a school like Wesleyan, but I applied through ED2 anyway. I got in (Class of 2014!), and to be honest, my financial aid package is better than I expected. Seriously, the package I received from Wes is extremely generous, and I don’t have any loans. </p>
<p>The school says that financial aid considerations are identical for ED and regular applicants, and from my personal experience, I can tell you that THIS IS 100% TRUE. </p>
<p>If you apply ED, get in, and end up being dissatisfied with your financial aid, you can be sure that you would have gotten the same amount of aid through regular decision. In such a case, you can attempt to ask the financial aid office to reconsider your aid package. After all, the purpose of the financial aid office is to calculate (and present to you) an amount that you will be able to afford. If the package still doesn’t change, the school will probably break your ED contract if you prove that you’re absolutely, definitely unable to afford the cost. </p>
<p>If Wes is truly your first-choice school, go for ED.</p>
<p>Thinker2014 - thanks for the reply. I read some other posts and now I am worried. We have family (gross) income in the $125K range with two kids entering college simultaneously. Was your income situation at all comparable? </p>
<p>Thanks… ducky</p>
<p>ducky: any reply offered by Thinker2014 in terms of comparing financial situations may not be all that helpful because Wesleyan looks at the entire picture, including assets (not just income). but yes, having other college-aged siblings wll help you get a better package.</p>
<p>and Thinker2014 is right - ED will not hurt any aid package you would get.</p>
<p>I completely agree with smartalic34.</p>
<p>You may also be able to obtain an “early read” for financial aid prior to applying…I received one of these for my daughter who was thinking of applying ED to a similar school, she ended receiving an offer that was identical to the one she ended up w/(after applying RD and being accepted).</p>
<p>The downside of applying ED is you won’t get to compare packages. Although Wes will meet your full EFC, they are clear that they do not offer merit aid which you may find to be the case at other LACs. As one of the schools utilizing the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA, your assets will be included in the calculation.</p>