<p>jeopardize one's chances of receiving any (decent) merit scholarship ? I have heard mixed stories from people applying to different schools. Thanks so much. Marc</p>
<p>I have not heard that the Early Decision packages are smaller than those awarded for Regular Decision applicants. I think the issue with applying early decision and seeking financial aid is that you may be accepted into the program, not receive the aid you had expected, and be stuck with a binding admission. However, I have heard numerous stories of applicants getting out of the binding agreement due to inadequate financial aid and of others who negotiate the initial package offered. If your son is absolutely sure about GWU, go with Early Decision. He will have a more relaxed senior year, will get preferred housing, and your home will be more sane!</p>
<p>Anyone from the admissions office will tell you that ED is BINDING. With that said, I would strongly recommend not applying ED if you are wanting a scholarship. Merit scholarships are mainly for attracting highly qualified students. If you apply ED, then admissions doesn't have to give you anything because they know you will come to GW regardless. The plus side of ED is having a huge advantage compared to the RD applicant pool. </p>
<p>As DCdude mentioned, you can get out of ED if you really want to...if you can't afford GW, there's nothing they can do about it. There are plenty of RD people to take your spot. Admissions would never tell you that, but that's simply the case. However, apply RD if you are looking for a merit scholarship because I can almost guarantee you that you won't be getting one if you apply ED.</p>
<p>I can only tell you our experience. My D applied EDI because she had made up her mind where she wanted to go and wanted to be done with the process. She was accepted EDI and received a merit scholarship. Obviously, they didn't have to give it to her to make her come. We were a little surprised because we had taken a risk with the EDI, but she definitely deserved it, based upon her stats, ECs and special talent.</p>
<p>hmm perhaps I was wrong?</p>