<p>If I apply somewhere early, does it make it less likely I could get any financial aid?</p>
<p>Early Decision Admissions does not have a factor on financial aid. Instead, you'd be competing for merit aid (scholarships, grants, etc.). Most, if not all, schools conduct need-blind processes for both Early and Regular Admissions. You can expect a financial aid award package when you file your FAFSA and apply for financial aid. Since the two applications are separate, there is no bearing on your financial aid package if you apply Early Decision. You can always check with your university to be sure.</p>
<p>Sources:
Columbia University (<a href="http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/faq/aid.php#9%5B/url%5D">http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/faq/aid.php#9</a>)
Georgetown University (<a href="http://finaid.georgetown.edu/questpro.htm#quest2%5B/url%5D">http://finaid.georgetown.edu/questpro.htm#quest2</a>)
University of Chicago (<a href="http://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/level2.asp?id=34%5B/url%5D">http://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/level2.asp?id=34</a>)</p>
<p>The above post is dangerously incorrect. Most schools are not need blind and do not meet full need. ED can certainly effect aid at most schools.</p>
<p>Perhaps my post was not written as clearly as I intended, but I did not say that most schools are need blind. Perhaps I was overly presumptuous to say that most schools conduct need-blind admissions processes, but I said that the admissions process itself was need-blind, meaning that the school reviews applications on the basis of merit and not financial need. Nor did I say that colleges provide full financial packages for all students. I said that you can expect a financial aid package, which may or may not meet full need. Finally, I did advise that students check with their university for final clarification.</p>
<p>Most schools are need aware for admission. Many people apply for aid and don't get a dime. Most people do not come close to having full need met. This is essential to understand.</p>
<p>For students who might be interested in finding out more information, check out <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/53.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/53.html</a> or contact your university directly for the most accurate information.</p>
<p>Mermaid,
If you apply ED, you will never know what your FA package would have been RD. Would your EFC have been different? Possibly, if you are a student the college wants and you show them better offers from peer schools. Would your the amount of loans and grants you receive have been different, quite possibly as they have no need to lure you to attend when you apply ED. </p>
<p>The bottom line is: if you have to ask about FA, you should not be applying ED. When you apply ED you have no control over what you get. If you apply RD, you can compare offers between schools and even ask colleges for a reevaluation based on what peer schools have offered you.</p>