<p>I am a junior in high school at the moment and I am starting to think about application process for next year. I genuinely love Cornell and it is my first choice. I would like to apply early decision, to boost my chances of getting accepted, but at the same time I am worried about financial aid. If Cornell does not offer a desirable financial aid, may I withdraw? (despite the fact that it is binding?)
When do ED accepted students hear about financial aid? Is it a smarter idea to apply regular decision, forgo higher chance of acceptance, to avoid this situation?
and regarding my family's finances, my mom is a single mom who makes about $70,000/year</p>
<p>...and if there is any flaw to my thinking, correct it. sorry to bombard with a million questions- thank you :)</p>
<p>You can withdraw if it is REALLY something you cannot afford, but you will only be allowed to go to a state-school. If you want to compare finaid packages, DON’T apply ED. Sorry :(</p>
<p>Basically, you’re going to get decent financial aid with that income as long as you don’t have a lot of assets. But you’re able to withdraw from ED if they don’t give you financial aid that makes it affordable. You won’t be “only allowed” to go to a state school (I guess the last poster was implying that they’re going to be more affordable, but that’s a load of crap…), but you’re obviously going to have to choose a school that is significantly more affordable than what Cornell offered you or else you’re just breaking your agreement.</p>
<p>It would be great if you could visit Cornell, attend a class or two, and go to a specific information session sometime this spring before you apply. You can register for those events online. That way you’ll learn a lot about the school. It’s also important to read the Cornell literature carefully so that you meet the requirements for the school you’re interested in. Early decision sounds like your best bet. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you look at Cornells financial aid criteria you would most likely receive full financial aid minus what you would be expected to earn in the summer. The summer earnings expected is somewhere between $2,500 and $3,600 (I may be off by a few hundred). The only thing that you did not mention is if your father is alive and if so, is he employed. Colleges do not forgive a non custodial parents obligation to pay their share of tuition. You could P.M me if you like.</p>