<p>There are two opposing theories to this and I was wondering if anyone who has gone through this could share their story with me...</p>
<p>1) The Director of Financial Aid at Saint Louis University told me that if you apply to a college ED, you have a greater chance of receiving financial aid, as the school knows that you will be attending and won't have to worry about recalculating the figures and moving stuff around if you decide not to attend. </p>
<p>2) All prospective students say that applying ED greatly reduces your chance of getting aid, as the school know you will be attending and aren't going to try to woo you with any aid. Also, even if you do get aid, it will be far less than if you applied RD and is far less negotiable. </p>
<p>Any views on this? Anyone apply ED and get screwed/blessed with financial aid? Thank you</p>
<h1>2 Has always been my understanding of Fin Ad. All of the counselors at my school tell students not to apply ED unless you aren't concerned about financial aid. Think about this from the perspective of a college. Would you negotiate with those who are bound to attend your college or those whom you want to come (i.e. recruit via attractive fin aid)?</h1>
<p>Yes, the argument that you're more likely to be accepted ED makes some sense. ED is sort of the ultimate show of interest and accepting ED applicants improves the school's stats.</p>
<p>Unfortunately the opposite is true for Fin Ad or Scholarships. If the school uses that money to attract interested but not convinced students, applying ED signals them they have you even if they don't offer the money, so they can give what they have to other students.</p>