<p>I would like to apply early decision but I do need a lot of financial aid. Need based. My mom is a single mom and we pretty much live off of welfare and child support. I've heard that Penn gives 100% of demonstrated need, is it safe enough</p>
<p>Safe enough to apply ED? I don’t need a full scholarship… I can work and take student loans and stuff. Thanks!
Btw: I want to apply ED not only because I love penn, but I’m just a decent applicant and really need that push to get in… also I don’t know how I’ll pay for all the application fees if I have to apply RD!</p>
<p>Most people who apply ED are still rejected. It’s unlikely to give you an edge. Also, if you’re competitive for Penn, you’ll be competitive for great merit aid at other schools, but only if you apply to them.</p>
<p>If your income is very low, you should do a few things.</p>
<p>Talk to your guidance counselor about getting fee waivers.</p>
<p>Look at programs like Questbridge and Posse Foundation.</p>
<p>If your area has an organization that helps very low-income students who are eager to go to college, sign up today.</p>
<p>Read the financial aid section of this website.</p>
<p>Remember that, if you go somewhere else, you still might do summer school at Penn as a guest student.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that if you are accepted ED and the FA offer is insufficient, you are allowed to withdraw from the ED agreement and apply RD to other schools (and you can also see if Penn will raise its FA offer to try to keep you from withdrawing from the ED agreement).</p>
<p>@45percenter
I had no idea! Thanks, that takes a lot of stress off as penn is one of a few schools I can see myself at!</p>