<p>my d is getting ready to submit her application early decision...will this effect any merit aid she may be entitled to?</p>
<p>I would think so.
Merit aid is a enticement to get highly capable students to attend the college, not a reward for accomplishments.</p>
<p>If a student is making the commitment to attend a school without waiting to see whether they will receive merit or need based aid, they are telling by their actions that they don't need the extra motivation to attend.</p>
<p>I will second emeraldkity. The so called 'Merit' aid has gender, race. zipcode, EC components in addition to scholastic achievement. They give it to whom they want. ED tells them you want them.</p>
<p>Unless ofcourse, the school says we will give free rides to all NMS or $X for scoring Y on SAT.</p>
<p>how would you find that out...should i call admissions?</p>
<p>Call admissions and/or check the college web site.</p>
<p>If a school guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated need, then early or regular applications should not make a difference. Also, some schools specifically state that early and regular applicants are considered equally for merit aid. I think it all depends on the school and you should ask the financial aid and scholarship offices directly.</p>
<p>100% need can be met with a combination of loans, work study and grants.
The school decides what the combination will look like.
Schools may also have a different idea of what your need is, it can be a shock for many families to learn that colleges may expect them to pay 1/3 to 1/4 of their income even at a need based aid school.</p>
<p>If financial aid is a major component in your decision, skip ED.</p>