<p>the title says it all... is this true for all schools? is it true at all? how about a school like vassar, or wesleyan?</p>
<p>Here's an excellent answer:</p>
<p>Wesleyan and Vassar meet 100% of need as they calculate need, so whatever they would give you RD they will give you ED. (Neither gives merit aid.)</p>
<p>The bigger issue is whether what Wesleyan and Vassar calculate your need to be is the same as other schools' calculations. Often, the amount of aid given even from schools that meet 100% of need varies significantly from school to school. ED prevents you from comparing them.</p>
<p>Also, the "packaging" may vary from school to school in the amount of grants v loans v work study. This can make a tremendous difference as well. While it won't matter for the ED school, you lose the ability to compare such offers.</p>