<p>Applying to a school as Early Decision blocks Financial Aid? If so how does Financial Aid know your applying as early decision if the school acceptance date is rolling admission?</p>
<p>No, Early Decision doesn't mean no financial aid. It does have important financial implications you need to understand, however, which will vary from school to school. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the financial aid policy at the school you want to apply early to. Know the difference between need-based and merit based aid, and if one or both are available. Discuss what you learn with your parents.</p>
<p>Thanks... well the school admission is rolling admission.</p>
<p>Yeah I read alot of comments on here, and answers.yahoo.com and I'm starting to re-think applying early to my top university. It is said that if I do, they may offer me less scholorships etc... since they wouldn't have place things of my interest to draw me to the school than another university. Then went on to understand, it may increase your chances applying early due to the school having to offer you less in scholorships etc... while they can just give it to another student who is thinking about another university.
So maybe early admission isn't a smart ideal after all?</p>
<p>Early decision is different from rolling admissions. Early decision is binding, so you do not have a chance to compare financial aid offers and choose your school based on that. Rolling admission just means you know you are accepted early, you are still free to apply elsewhere and compare financial aid offers. It could give you a BETTER chance at scholarships, because some rolling schools could run out of scholarship money if you apply later.</p>
<p>Yeah, what mamabear said. Rolling admissions is NOT the same thing as Early Decision, and what you read on yahoo, etc. applies to Early Decision.</p>
<p>Rolling is just a regular application, but they let you submit it at whatever point you wish, and often you'll hear back sooner rather than later. This can be quite nice, and will not have any negative consequences in terms of financial aid. As mamabear said, your aid may even be somewhat better.</p>
<p>Yeah I guess there is two sides to this.
Thanks, more comments are welcome.</p>
<p>What are there two sides to? I mean, it's either Early Decision or rolling admission (which can also be submitted early, but is not the same thing).</p>
<p>What school are you applying to??? If it has "rolling admissions," does it really have ED (early decision)? I don't know of such a school.</p>
<p>I think you are confusing the ability to "apply early" with "Early Decision" (which requires you to go to that school if it accepts you. My son has already applied and has already rec'd acceptance at his college that has rolling admissions, but he doesn't have to accept if he doesn't want to. He can still wait to see all the scholarship offers from other places.</p>
<p>If your school does have ED, then the problem that people are always talking about is this... </p>
<p>If you apply ED in the fall, and get accepted, then you must attend that school EVEN if in the spring time when you get your F/A package and it isn't enough money. EA (early action) doesn't restrict you like that. With EA, you can apply to one EA in the winter, apply to other "non EA" places as well, compare all packages in the spring, and then decide.</p>
<p>Which school are you going to? And do they have ED, EA, RA (regular admissions), &/or "rolling" ???</p>
<p>I plan to attend Michigan State University.</p>
<p>Two sides, I mean as people have two different views on the situation.</p>
<p>From their own website.....</p>
<p>Timeline for Admission
High School Students
Michigan State University uses rolling admission; however, the number of qualified applicants has exceeded available space in recent years. For maximum scholarship consideration, seniors should apply by November 1. (Students applying after November 1 may qualify for scholarships if funds are still available.) Decisions are typically made eight to 12 weeks after all application materials are received. </p>
<p>Therefore, YOU have NOTHING to worry about. MSU does not have ED, so you can apply now, get your admittance, wait for your F/A package, compare F/A from all your schools, and then decide. No penalty at all. </p>
<p>So.... are you clear now? MSU does not have "Early Decision" so none of the F/A concerns for ED will affect you. </p>
<p>I know it can be confusing, but your school is not an ED school. You can apply to as many schools as you want to, wait and see what offers come in, and then decide in the spring.</p>
<p>Are we clear now??? :)</p>
<p>Oh thanks,</p>
<p>Also I'm not applying to any universities this year, I'm a junior in high school who's curious.</p>
<p>Early decision is not recommended for those kids that need financial aid. I have seen kids do well with it and that is well and good, but if it does not work out, oh, what a pain in the neck it can be. Schools do not stint on ED kids for financial aid, but you cannot compare packages. Their idea of need and yours may differ and you may not like the components of aid; ie loans, work study. Some schools like Harvard give excellent aid packages, and if you have a very good idea of your family financial picture, it is not as risky to go ED, but you still don't know if you would do better with a school that gives merit within aid. You cannot negotiate because you have no comparison. Backing out of an ED contract cause any number of problems even if you have good reason to do so. Your name is automatically generated on the ED accept list and it can be a bear to make sure it is removed and that you remain in consideration if you are able to get out of the contract. After all of that, it could be that your ED offer was the best one.</p>