<p>Rice is my number one choice so far, but of course, I'm also looking at my other options and I'm afraid that if there's even the remote possibility i make it in (under ED), that i would regret not having a chance to try for my other options. So, my question is, is ED "legally" binding or just "morally" binding? If i make it, do i definitely, and i emphasize "definitely," have to go?</p>
<p>As quoted on the site, "If accepted to Rice under Early Decision, you must commit to Rice by January 2 and withdraw all other college applications, or you must withdraw your application to Rice." </p>
<p>I'm assuming that if I make it and end up not wanting to go, I can just withdraw my application and not go at all, right?</p>
<p>And finally, what are the differences in finanicial aid between ID and ED? big difference? and is rice's finanicial aid mostly in the form of scholarships/grants or student loans and what are the usual interest rates?</p>
<p>well, my friend went ED and got screwed over with fin aid. I went ID and got similarly screwed, but I didn't have to go there. Based on the experiences of everone from my school who's recently (past few years) been accepted by Rice, the school doesn't seem to be as generous as is reputed.</p>
<p>If the ED aid package they give just won't cut it, the school will let you withdraw and go elsewhere. Now, ED doesn't have much real legal weight, but refusing an ED acceptance without extreme reasons could seriously cause Rice to "blacklist" your HS, making it much harder for anyone else to get in.</p>
<p>Also, other colleges can find out that you broke your agreement with Rice and you might not be accepted to those schools! Usually, your school will have you sign something indicating that you understand that the ED is binding. I would NOT recommend the strategy you are considering. Don't do ED.</p>
<p>Actually, all the advice listed above is generally true. But Rice's ED agreement (as posted above) is pretty clear in my opinion. If you don't want to go, you can simply withdraw your application (before Jan. 2 - after that you are bound to go). So you won't have heard from other colleges by Jan. 2, but if you decide that you made a terrible mistake, or you get an unexpectedly poor aid package, you can choose not to go.</p>