<p>i really want to apply ED to Vanderbilt, but i'm not sure how to tell my parents. they want me to apply to more schools, and wait to see the offers of financial aid. i know what they are telling me makes sense, but i know that i could apply to hundreds of schools, and it wouldn't matter if i got accepted to any of them, as long as i got into Vandy. has anyone had a similar experience? any comments/advice would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>
<p>first i would consider your EFC.
Second, i would tell your parents that Vanderbilt is definetely your #1... AND statistically, you have a significantly better chance at getting in with Early Decision 1 and 2.. like 10% better!
Talk to your parents... they are the ones paying, applying early decision somewhere isnt always just about fit. there are more things to consider, cost is a major one.</p>
<p>Hmm, can you provide some more information.</p>
<p>How likely are you to get into Vanderbilt in Regular Decision? (SAT, GPA, ECs?)
How much are your parents willing to pay for your college?
Will you get much need based aid? (or, do you think you will?)
Is there any way that you would go to somewhere else if accepted to Vanderbilt?</p>
<p>The only big reason to apply ED is if you aren't too sure you will get in. If you have the scores, ECs, GPA, etc. to easily get in during Regular Decision, then listen to your parents. Who knows, you may receive nothing from Vanderbilt but get a full ride to a very good college elsewhere.</p>
<p>i have a good gpa, but my ECs aren't that strong. my SAT is at the bottom of the middle 50%. i know that i will have GREAT recommendations, and an average essay. i could possibly get in, but i'm not too sure i would if i applied regular decision. i do believe that i will get a significant amount of need based aid though.</p>
<p>If you're going to rely on need based aid I would not go ED. Keep in mind that you are locked into your ED choice unless you can make a very strong case you can't afford to attend. By applying to multiple schools during RD and seeing what each offers you have much more flexibility. I think ED is mainly useful for people who can pay the full freight.</p>
<p>thanks everyone for the advice. i do realize that applying ED is binding, and i'm willing to make the commitment. i also know that money is important, but the average debt after graduation is about 20k, whick isn't that bad compared to some other private schools. </p>
<p>Vandy is my ABSOLUTE 1st choice, and as i stated before, it doesn't matter if i get accepted to other colleges, as long as i get into Vandy. the way i see it, applying regular decision is just a way for me to be more stressed out, and getting my admissions decision months later. if i apply and get accepted, then everything's great. if i get rejected, then i'll be able to apply to other schools.</p>
<p>If you want to go to V. apply early decision. Your parents would be either a.) foolish to make you apply to more schools if you didn't plan on attending them, unless they have a financial motive hoping you'll get a scholarship to a lesser school, or b.) untrusting of you and your ability to make good long-term decisions about yourself. </p>
<p>Besides, applying to 10 schools will cost you somewhere from $500-600 (roughly, assuming $50 a school+money for sending SAT scores). Or, the application fee for one school? If you're pressed for money applying to every school within a 30 mile radius may not be the best idea..</p>
<p>Figure out where you fall within that spectrum. And please write a decent essay, when you posted your stats you said you will have an "average essay." What good is an average essay for an average student? You have a few months, write a damn good essay and take this time to work on your SAT scores. Your essay is your OPPORTUNITY to explain yourself, to prove you are different and possibly better than those that beat you out academically and financially. Average essay, average SAT scores, with a decent GPA and an empty "additional activities" sheet will easily get beat out with somebody that has mediocre grades, decent test scores and a well written essay. I'm a testament to this. Why say you are GOING to write an average essay? That's absolutely absurd.</p>
<p>i will be working on my essay pretty much all of summer. i've already started writing it. when i said i'd have an average essay, i meant that it wouldn't be the most amazing piece of written work in the entire world, but it would be good. i'm slightly confused about the essay though. i don't know how in the world i'm going to "explain" myself, or let the reader know the "real me", in 500 words on a specific topic like a significant event. </p>
<p>and about the SATs, i am working on them. i'll be taking them in May, and June.</p>
<p>thanks for replying though, what you have said has been helpful.</p>
<p>is anyone else willing to reply?</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>Many kids can't apply ED because of aid considerations, I was one that clearly would have but for $$. Worked out RD, which is what colleges are trying to make happen--don't let ED give the wealthy an advantage. I ended up getting the best possible package because another school offered more and I was able to get larger grants.</p>
<p>In the end many can't go to their first choice college because of $$. It's better to find out if there are financial conditions now than next April. Many parents can't afford the dream school. Huge loans are not a good thing. This leaves lots of people with EFCs they can't pay. Talk to your parents about the numbers NOW.</p>
<p>Also note that average debt ONLy effects direct student loans, not loans families take to meet EFC. If you expect significant lead based aid, ED is seriously not in your favor. Vandy looks great now, but it won't be worth big debt when you do the numbers.</p>