<p>I agree with JHS. We did not allow our older son to apply ED, although he did apply EA to several schools. It really was VERY nice to know that he had several options before Christmas. But April was a very difficult month. We didn't expect him to get into several reach schools, and so had to arrange visits to three schools within a 10 day period. The actual decision wasn't easy either.</p>
<p>For S2, if he finds a school that he really likes, I'd encourage him to apply ED. The time and money spent on applications is really wasted. We would, of course, have other applications in the wings in case the ED school didn't work out, but I think we'd all be happy to have the process over with earlier rather than later.</p>
<p>In the end, I think he'll be just as happy at school A as he would be at school B, regardless of what the actual schools are -- it's just a matter of attitude.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have taken the time to respond. I talked with my son last evening -- great conversation. He feels he is sure, but he is willing to humor me and do another visit with an overnight -- when he visited in the spring, overnights were for seniors only. He would like to have the decision finalized to December. We visited 4 comparable schools this summer -- three of which he thinks he could be happy with. One of those schools has rolling admissions and one has a non-binding EA decision. So, he agreed to go ahead and submit those at the same time he does the ED (if he still wants ED after the overnight). Does this seem a reasonable compromise? (and yes, I do need to cut the "apron strings" it's just hard).</p>
<p>BTW - it sounds like a great outcome ... it looks like you've ensured his really looked at his options and then trusted him to decide about his life ... I only hope I reach a similar outcome with my kids. Great job!</p>
<p>Cyclistmom,
Oh gosh, is it SO hard to let go! The reason I asked the question I did is because, even after my daughter sent in her deposit to an EA school in DECEMBER, I was still worrying if she'd done the right thing, should she have explored more options, aimed higher, picked a school closer to home, and on and on and on. My husband finally pointed out that my daughter was (and is!) very happy with her decision, and my second-guessing with all my "what if?" questions was only driving us all crazy! Hang in there - things have a way of working out as they should, even if there are bumps along the way!</p>