<p>I know with early decision you sign an agreement to attend that school if accepted. My question is, is that 100% mandatory? If financially you do not like what the school has to offer do you still have to go? I would really like to apply ED to JHU, but honestly I don't want to commit to that financially, so I don't know what to do.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading.</p>
<p>You may decline an ED for financial reason.</p>
<p>If you’re really not sure about what kind of aid you may receive or if you really need yo compare FA packages, I would not apply ED. Yes, you can back out of an ED acceptance if the financial package doesn’t work, but you should have some idea what your EFC might be before you apply.</p>
<p>You can back out. We did…not lightly, but we did. Word to the wise - if aid is a big factor, as it was for us, you roll the dice with the one big benefit of ED - the “one and done”. Have your other apps ready to go. Unlike your peers that merely need the “You’re in!”, you need the “You’re in…and we’ll pay for it!” Without that you still need to get your other apps in and you won’t have that much time between the ED notification and the RD deadlines.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. I have to make a decision about applying ED to JHU now.</p>
<p>my friend was accepted ED to Emory but backed out for financial reasons. He goes to another college now.</p>