<p>Ok, here's my situation. I am really set on two colleges: Bentley and Northeastern. Only thing is I think I stand about a 50/50 chance at getting into them as my stats aren't too awesome. I'm instate and I have an 1800 SAT about a 3.4 UW Gpa I'm a full IB diploma candidate and I have very solid EC's. I will stand a much better chance at getting into Bentley if I go ED instead of EA, but I need to see what I'm going to get for financial aid because my family can't afford that tuition. I also really like Northeastern possibly more than Bentley but they do not offer ED so that is out of the question. I want to get into at least one of these schools and I will be heartbroken if both reject me, but I need to see financial aid packages. WHat should I do?</p>
<p>The one recognized out from an ED commitment is money. But I don't know what happens if the ED's school offer isn't as good as the EA's, but the ED school's calculations indicate that their offer is still viable for your family. You could probably negotiate with the ED school. (Perhaps ask this question on the financial aid forum ...) </p>
<p>I would not recommend applying ED to the school that is your second choice, however.</p>
<p>If you aren't sure, go the non-binding way...
Also, don't go ED at any place but a dream school...</p>
<p>If you really want to go ED at Bentley (sorry, I don't know anything about it) then if/when you visit the campus, ask about financial aid information and make sure that they will meet 100 percent of your need before applying ED. Also use an EFC calculator to estimate your EFC and subtract it from the cost of attendence to see how much more you need to cover, either through grants, loans, scholarships, a job, etc. Try and set up a financial plan while there, and even though this plan won't be official, it will give you a good idea of how much financial aid you are going to get.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Bentley's Common Data Set is a mine of information about admissions, including financial aid.</p>
<p>35 students applied for financial aid. 24 of these needed financial aid. Of the 24 students, only 4 had their need met completely. </p>
<p>You may interested to know that Bentley's ED acceptance rate is 62.3%, and their EA acceptance rate is 58.8%. Considering such a slight difference, I would definitely apply EA instead of ED. </p>