<p>Pomona is my top school, but my parents do not want me to apply Early Decision II! I am not a particularly strong candidate, so it's definitely a reach for me (my stats are posted in a different thread, "Chance me, s'il vous plait"). After speaking with a college financial counselor, my parents believe that I won't get as good a financial aid package if I apply early, and that I should wait to see what other schools offer me. They think that if I get in regular decision, I might get a better package because Pomona will want to ensure that I attend. They're very concerned about this because although we're not "poor," we're certainly not wealthy and our income is unstable. However, considering my stats I don't think I'd have a chance of acceptance applying regular. And doesn't Pomona say they will meet 100% of their applicants' financial need anyways? Also, am I correct in thinking that you can withdraw for financial reasons only?</p>
<p>I really want Pomona to know how much I want this, and I'm worried applying regular will really hurt me. It seems like most of the admitted applicants who posted their stats here applied early. I don't see a reason to wait because I don't need to retake any standardized tests, I won't have my semester grades by regular decision time, and the only thing I might do of significance between the deadlines is get a job as a tutor. </p>
<p>Thank you so much to anyone who can help me with this!</p>
<p>Your stats seem fine to me, within range, so I think you have a chance either ED or Regular decision. Have you visited? I think visiting and interviewing is the best way to show them you really want to go to Pomona.</p>
<p>I understand what you are thinking… that your chances are better ED2. It probably won’t make any difference to your financial aid since Pomona uses a formula that takes into account answers to the FAFSA and Profile. Have you don’t financial calculators that give you an idea of what you’d get at various schools? Is the amount you would have to pay something your family can afford?</p>
<p>Now, that said - my D didn’t apply ED and she got in RD. She got a variety of financial offers and from the needs based schools. Pomona was near the top. The fact that she had other offers though, a few higher from similar schools, let us request and receive an additional few thousand dollars. If you apply ED that wouldn’t be an option. </p>
<p>I think your parents are wrong that Pomona would give a better initial package Regular Decision to compete with other schools up front. They really don’t need to do that. Just don’t worry too much if you decide to apply RD. Just make sure the admissions counselor at Pomona knows you’re interested and do a great job on your essays. Good luck.</p>
<p>I have visited and interviewed, on separate dates. I wrote a letter of interest over the summer and I plan to email my admissions rep with some questions. </p>
<p>I understand what you’re saying about your D being able to request more aid because of higher offers from similar schools. For me though, Pomona is definitely the toughest LAC that I’m applying to (the only others are Occidental College, Davidson College, and Chapman). I doubt that Pomona would be willing to match their aid packages seeing as they are not exactly “similar” to Pomona (Occidental and Chapman don’t compare academically and Davidson is kinda random in North Carolina – but maybe the location isn’t relevant?). Either way, I still feel that that ED will give me more of an edge. Otherwise, there’s not anything salient that would cause Pomona to really want me. I just hope I can convince my parents. </p>
<p>Thank you so much for the insight and for taking the time to respond to my anxious queries! I truly appreciate it!</p>
<p>@ladanseuse When we visited Pomona last summer, their Admissions office was very clear that they do not give a boost for early decision. With Pomona, I believe, the only benefit is knowing sooner. Certainly if you check their statistics, I think you will notice there isn’t the same kind of bump that you will see at other schools.</p>
I truly appreciate it!</p>