<p>Does applying Early Decision effect one's ability to get financial aid? Also, does needing financial aid make it harder to get in Early Decision? I don't know if Early Decision is when colleges find their students that can pay full price, so it would be asvisable to stay in the general applicant pool. My child has said that he wants to change his (already submitted)application to Early Decision, and we don't know if that is advisable.</p>
<p>Those are good questions. From what I have heard, applying ED means that you basically do not have any leeway when it comes to negotiating FA. As I understand it, if you are accepted ED, you are required to rescind your other applications. On the other hand, if you are certain that this is THE school for you, and FA is not an important component, then it may help with admissions.</p>