So I guess I’m a little confused as to how Early Decision works. Let’s use NYU as an example. Assuming I want to attend and apply early decision to the Stern School of Business. Am I only applying to that specific school, or can I be binded to attend the college of arts and sciences or liberal studies. If someone could please explain how this works, that would be fantastic.
You apply to the specific school within NYU that you want to attend. If you are accepted, you must attend. Please make sure that you can afford the school before you commit to ED.
You are only applying to Stern. If Stern accepts you, then you are obligated to go unless it is financially impossible. If you are rejected from Sern, you will not be considered for any other school within NYU.
Actually, as kufelik01 implies, the most common reason for not following through on an ED acceptance is when the finances just don’t add up. So before applying ED, if you even need FA, you should be reasonably confident you can afford it assuming their offer at least matches what their financial calculator tells you. But don’t let financial uncertainty stop you from applying ED.