<p>I'm planning on applying ED to a top 10 college. I just have a few questions before I go through with it.
1. I am aware that I can refuse to matriculate if accepted if the financial aid package is not sufficient. What is the bargaining process like? Will the deadlines for other college applications pass by the time I am done bargaining? How do I refuse the acceptance?
2. I will be applying to a state Honors College. The deadline for this application is November 15th and the notification comes around the time that the Early Decision comes in. If accepted to the ED college but not sure if I can afford it, would I have to refuse acceptance to that state college?
Thank you, and good luck everyone!</p>
<p>First, nice of you to rate your own thread a 5 star.</p>
<p>1a. There is no bargaining process. You can ask to be reassessed if you think they made a mistake but there are no other offers to compare with your ED FA. That’s the disadvantage.
1b. Doubtful, but you may have missed merit aid deadlines while you wait for your package. There isn’t a whole lot of time from Jan to March to get everything else in place.
1c. You call (or E-Mail) to decline and state the FA package is not workable for your family.</p>
<ol>
<li>Only refuse acceptance to the State College if your accepting the ED offer. If you accept the ED you’ll never know the FA you might have gotten in the Honors College.</li>
</ol>
<p>You only withdraw other applications when the financial aid offer enables you to attend. </p>
<p>You can still apply to other colleges and meet their deadlines if you haven’t received a financial aid offer that enables you to attend.</p>