<p>Hey everybody,</p>
<p>Is there a disadvantage to applying ED 2 vs. ED 1? (I am certain that I want to come to Davidson and it's my first choice; we are in that gap paying full price right now as per the on-line calculator....).</p>
<p>If I am fortunate enough to be accepted with either ED 1 or 2, can I still get merit aid to come to Davidson? (we aren't qualifying for any need-based aid so that's out as per that same calculator I mentioned).</p>
<p>When do they let us know if indeed we win merit aid? That doesn't come with the ED 2 acceptance letter, right? So, you have to wait and see, even though you're applying for those merit scholarships way early, is that right?</p>
<p>Thanks for any insight, as I am stuck as to what to do with my application, actually.</p>
<p>the ks.</p>
<p>Hey kitesurfer,</p>
<p>to answer your question, you can definitely still get merit aid if you apply via ED 1 or 2. strategically, they may use merit aid to help pursue the students who may be choosing between davidson and “higher-ranked” schools like ivy-league. However, I’m not sure this is the case because I know of a few people who applied ED and received merit aid.</p>
<p>As far as notification, you receive your admissions decision in either December or February but no actual merit aid decision until february/march at the very earliest. This is only the case if you are in the running for the major scholarships (I think this would include Belk and Presidential) because they notify you to come down for a scholarship weekend. Beyond that, merit aid is usually doled out in April to May but it can come as late as July. </p>
<p>if your family is comfortable with the situation financially, I would absolutely recommend applying through either ED option! But if your family is hesitating at all or does not feel comfortable, I wouldn’t recommend taking the risk because merit aid is not guaranteed.</p>
<p>hope that helps! let me know if you have any more questions!</p>