<p>DS has a wonderful first choice that we think would be an ideal fit for him and is a match school. He also has a solid list of additional schools and he can envision himself at any one of them. However, he still really wants that first choice (naturally). </p>
<p>DH and I could not allow DS to apply early because we will definitely need to review financials before making any commitments. There is a strong possibility that the state flagship will have to be the one - and that's fine too (more ok with DS than me, actually). </p>
<p>I find myself reading all the Early Decision posts and feeling a mix of envy and also a sense of failure that we couldn't just let him go for it. I know it's juvenile and ridiculous on my end but emotions sure run high in this process. Does anyone else feel this way?</p>
<p>Hmmm...nope, no envy. Early Decision is nice, IF you get in. If you get rejected or deferred, it can make the time between Dec and April REALLY long. I'd rather have all results come in April. If there is bad news, it can be cushioned by all the good news that will come.</p>
<p>sunset31 you most certainly took the wise approach. When you are financial secure, others will have envy. Trust me. They will wish they took a more sensible route. It's OK to wish that you had answers earlier for your S and your family. It's not envy really. And yes, its OK. There are others like you wondering the same thing. I think, in the end, it will be you who is the more "enviable!!!"</p>
<p>The gutcheck for me was when I saw the EA thread to Georgetown. I really wanted D to apply (because this is the school I wish I had gone to) and offered to take her there on a trip this fall to take a look. I thought it would be a great school for her but she refused and told me point blank, "You can't relive your life through me". Of course, I know she is right, but I can't quite let it go. I'm sure if I lived my life over through her I could do a better job this time!</p>
<p>Sunset, come April you'll be glad you waited as you consider the FA packages from those colleges :) I've heard the envy cuts both ways - once the decision is made (via ED), there's no springtime anticipation/excitement :)</p>
<p>Lots of envy I know when kids are all talking about their options. Even if they did not get into their early school, it gave them an early read whereas kids who have to wait till spring may have no idea where they stand. I think picking some EA or rolling schools is a very good idea. Especially a safety. I don't recommend ED especially if you need to compare offers and want to reserve the option to negotiate. Many of the ED kids get buyer's remorse or get struck with the panic of how they are now going to pay for the education.</p>
<p>I too am not a big fan of ED unless the student know exactly what they want - and finances are not a big issue. </p>
<p>I do think that getting apps in early to match and safety schools that offer rolling / early admission is a good strategy for piece of mind. We were a little late with my DS and, as a result, had a longer period of anxiety than was required (and also applied to more schools than he needed to when anxiety really kicked in :( )</p>
<p>Next time around will be with DD next year - and we have already discussed the importance of getting that first acceptable school acceptance letter early - and working her way up. She says she likes the approach - but obviously next summer/fall will prove one way or the other.</p>
<p>sunset:
S1 refused to apply early anywhere. And then he left it until April 30 to make up his mind. That was okay with us., although we could have wished he had not dithered until the 11th hour!
S2 applied early, got accepted and that was it. And that was okay with us, too.</p>
<p>My D applied ED several years ago and was accepted. That was the right choice for her and our family and that time. My S has applied to several EA schools and has already been accepted to two great choices. Having those acceptances actually makes the wait for the other schools sort of exciting. I'm glad he won't have to make a decision until May 1. I have seen him changing and maturing over just the last few months and think his decision in May may be different than what if would have been in August, plus we really want to compare financial aid offers.</p>
<p>to the OP ... I think your reaction is quite common ... just as a lot of folks who get in ED then wonder about how they would have done at other schools. Applying to college involves major decisions that involve cutting off lots of options ... I think thinking about the options not pursued is pretty natural.</p>
<p>Never even considered ED though DD did apply to quite a few schools EA. Now with several acceptances in hand we have the opportunity to visit the schools (in some sort of logical fashion) that are across country and can compare the pros and cons on each. DD is not the typical brilliant CC poster, but she is a good solid student who we hope will excel at the school she winds up choosing.</p>
<p>I had ED envy with my kids, I can tell you. It would have been nice to be at the "game-over" stage at this time of the year. My close friend's son filed one app, got in and that was it. Though our son did end up at one of the EA schools, we still had a lot to do at this point. However, that S did not go ED gave him an extra $5K in merit money from the school that he negotiated which comes to $20K over 4 years.</p>
<p>Last year, D1 refused to apply anywhere ED; wanted to see who wanted her before she decided.....it worked out fine, but.......</p>
<p>D2 (very diff personality and profile) has already told us that she will apply ED if her top school offers it; she wants to enjoy her senior year.......</p>
<p>I definitely had ED envy last year.....but D1 would probably not have gotten her merit award if she applied ED......</p>
<p>Yep, ED is all fine and good for those who know they can afford whatever comes their way in terms of FA but for us, EA and Rolling admission provide that sweet knowledge that there is a place for both of my girls without the potential of that..."I'm sorry honey but we really can't afford it after all" conversation that an ED acceptance may force.</p>
<p>The main thing I envy the parent of the accepted ED applicant is the ability to stick a collegiate sweatshirt under the tree. :)</p>