<p>okay, here's my situation. i'm a senior about to apply and i REALLY want to go to Wash U. HOwever, I am not poor, but would really love some fin. aid or scholarship. I want to apply early decision, but my friend told me that if i want money, i shouldn't apply ED because i can't negotiate. how much of this is true and what should i do?</p>
<p>jkldsfsdfj</p>
<p>WashU offers both need and merit scholarships. If you're referring to merit scholarships, separate applications are required and the decisions are independent of the admissions decision. From what I've heard, negotiation happens more with need based scholarships than merit ones. In that regard it's true that ED would negate the possibility to negotiate because you're locked in to attending if accepted. But if you'll be ineligible for need based aid anyway, it shouldn't make a difference</p>
<p>what about fin aid?</p>
<p>Also, i believe the financial aid package doesn't even arrive until after the ED deadline. Because of this (i'm almost positive) WashU will let you back out of a ED acceptance if the aid package isn't enough. I would talk to your regional admissions rep and a financial aid rep to get a good idea of what amount of money you could expect, then make your decision based on that. As far as negotiations, I know of no specific policy one way or another. It can't hurt to ask, but don't think WashU expects you to negotiate up. Remember, WashU is one of the only top schools that is not need blind. So if it comes down to you and a similar candidate, and the other guy is planning on paying full tuition, he's in. (But I doubt this policy comes into effect much, just be careful)</p>
<p>They will only let you back out of a ED acceptance if it is clear and you outrightly say that its not enough. :)</p>