<p>Hope this is in the right place guys, but I was wondering why colleges would be generous with their merit awards to kids applying EA/ED. They know the kids will have to accept whatever offers they extend. Are colleges historically less generous with their merit aid to EA/EDs?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, not for EA. If it is not SCEA (single choice early action) you do not need to accpet whatever offers they extend. You do not have to go to a school if you applied EA.</p>
<p>There may be some degree of logic in that position, but many colleges don't adhere to it. They use merit aid as a "reward", if you will, rather than an enticement. And you can get out of ED if you don't get adequate aid. Merit aid counts for that as well.</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <p>And you can get out of ED if you don't get adequate aid. Merit aid counts for that as well.>></p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>Chedva...I know you didn't mean to sound misleading....but getting "out of ED" isn't all that easy. AND the folks need to remember that the financial aid need is determined by the college. If the college feels they have MET your need...but you don't...they won't force you to attend their school, but you will have limited options as after your ED acceptance all other pending applications and acceptances are supposed to be pulled.</p>
<p>NEM...And even with SCEA schools...your decision is not binding...so you can compare finaid offers with other schools.</p>
<p>With EA...the decision is not a binding one and the student can compare finaid offers and accept something other than the EA acceptance.</p>
<p>With ED...well...when you apply you know what the costs are and you are agreeing to attend if the school meets your need (remember...the school determines your need...not you).</p>
<p>Thumper, you are right, my mistake about SCEA.</p>
<p>Sorry, thumper - you're right; I didn't mean it to sound so "easy". I used a short-hand that I shouldn't have for a new poster.</p>
<p>But I do know that there are at least a few schools that have a separate pool of merit money for their ED applicants. As one said, "Why should we penalize our best customers?"</p>
<p>My daughter applied ED and received merit money for all 4 years. I know of other colleges besides hers where people have received merit and applied ED. I don't know what the reasoning is behind this. I would think it is a matter of keeping top students happy for all 4 years. Yes, they have you once you apply ED, but will they be able to keep you. Merit helps with that concern.</p>