<p>I am new to this country (well not that new, 10 years) I wasn't educated here. I am not familiar with the colleges here. Id like to get help from you.</p>
<p>My son and I had a discussion over which school he should apply as ED. What does ED mean? How would you use it? I mean should my son apply the college he likes the most using ED (even its a hardly reached school) or should he use ED for a reasonable reach school?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>ED should be used for your son's total first-choice. It's not really a gaming strategy though it is often used as one. If your son is DEAD-SET on attending a school and they offer ED, then that can be used. If he is unsure about his options come November 1, then maybe RD is the right option.</p>
<p>ED doesn't have to be used for a reasonable reach school. It is a way of a student committing to a school that they will attend if they are admitted.</p>
<p>Also be ready for the financial commitment of ED - you will not be able to compare financial aid packages with other colleges; you will have to take what is or is not offered (unless you can convince them otherwise).</p>
<p>Thank you all.</p>
<p>I guess I should let him apply the school he likes a lot even I'd be suppressed if that school accepts him.</p>
<p>Actually, financial will be my next question. </p>
<p>Some one told me that the chance for my son to get financial aid is small because both of us work (engineers), and my son is the only child. Is that true? If it is true, should we still apply for financial aid? </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I believe that ED should be used for your absolute first choice as long as you feel there's something about your application that would give you a reasonable chance of being accepted. For instance, if your EC's are iffy but your stats fall within the range of prior classes, go for it. If you have amazing EC's or done something very unique that may appeal to the school but your stats are somewhat lower than their median, go for it. But, if your absolute first choice seems totally out of the ballpark using this method, use the ED on your second absolute favorite. In many cases the ED gives you a boost if you're a close call; however, it doesn't get you anything if you're totally out of the ballpark. So don't waste the ED on a school that you feel you really have no chance at. Use it on a school that you feel you may have a reasonable chance at.</p>
<p>Before applying ED anywhere, I'd take a close look at what your family will most likely be expected to contribute at most schools. Use the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) calculator here: <a href="http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.jsp%5B/url%5D">http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.jsp</a> to get an idea of what your family will probably end up paying unless your son gets a non-need based merit scholarship somewhere. If you have a heart attack when you see the bottom line numbers, it may be smarter to not apply ED and be able to compare financial aid packages AND merit scholarships at several schools.</p>
<p>As your son applies, keep in mind that there are hundreds of excellent colleges in the US. For most students, there is absolutely no reason to apply to college early decision because if they don't get into their first choice college, they'll still get an excellent education at their second, third, fourth or fifth choice college.</p>
<p>Many students, probably the majority, still are making up their mind come spring about what college they'd most like to attend. Many students also mature a great deal between fall and spring of senior year, and they learn a lot more about themselves and what kind of college environment would be best for them. Consequently, for many it's a big mistake to lock themselves into a choice through early decision. </p>
<p>If $ is at all a concern, then it is not a good idea to apply ED. Particularly for students who have excellent stats, they may qualify for wonderful merit aid at some generous first tier colleges that use merit aid to lure excellent students away from places like Harvard and Yale, which don't offer merit scholarships. Applying ED may shut them out of those possibilities.</p>
<p>There have been many threads here on cc on the pros and cons of Early Decision. You should search for them and study them. Early Decision is BINDING. If your S is not totally set on a given school, he should not use ED. Many of these kids change their minds over the months between October and May as to what school they really prefer. If you find that you will not qualify for need-based financial aid, your S may still be a candidate for merit aid at some schools. If you go ED, you will not have the opportunity to see what different schools will have offered him. </p>
<p>My own S was surprised at the merit $ offered him by a couple of schools as well as by the "recruiting" efforts a couple of schools directed his way - letters and calls from Deans, students, alums, etc.
All of this influenced him in the weeks and months after his applications were submitted. ED is not a good option if any of these kinds of things might alter your kid's preferences among schools.</p>
<p>NSM and I cross-posted and made some similar points. I don't want to sound as though I am harshly against ED. It can boost chances, but it can also shut a lot of doors. It's important to be CERTAIN that this school is so preferred that your S and you are willing to forego the opportunity to consider $ offerings, changes in his perspective over the months, and new information which may come to him over the months.</p>
<p>I wholeheartedly agree with what Jmmom and Northstarmom have said about the possibility of kids changing their minds: six weeks ago, my daughter was "absolutely" set on applying ED to a particular college. All summer we heard how it was her dream school, perfect for her in every way, the ONLY school she would be happy at. Then, due to some events in her life, and a more realistic look at the course offerings in a particular area of interest of hers at various schools, she decided she wanted to keep her options open until Spring. Her current "final list" has 8 schools on it, including several that were never even considered by her until a few weeks ago. So, yes, kids do change their minds. :)</p>
<p>I do think ED is a great option for some kids but as Jmmom says, make sure your son carefully considers everything about the school, and is not basing his choice solely on things like prestige or some other intangible factor that may have very little to do with whether it's the best school for him. If he can explain solid reasons why he likes this particular school best, then weigh the financial aspect, and if you can live with it, give the OK. BUT make sure he has other schools he also likes and encourage him to get those applications done with the same amount of passion and attention at the same time, so he won't have to scramble if his ED choice falls through.</p>
<p>Carolyn,</p>
<p>That's a very good suggestion that I should ask my son to list all his reasons for the ED school he is thinking of now. </p>
<p>Thank you all so much. I wish I had known this site earlier.</p>
<p>Newcoomer - having concrete reasons for an ED school is some of the best advice you can get. I appreciate the point people are trying to make by saying an ED school should be a definite first choice, or "the school that you love". But, I think more important than loving the school above all others is having good, solid articulated reasons for applying to that school. My experience with my daughter was that when she could tell what she liked about her schools, she could also see the "warts", and really made an informed decision - in other words, she had other schools that she liked, that she knew she would be happy attending, some with advantages over the ED school, but as a package, her ED school was the favorite.
If the child cannot do this, I think they are at risk for a disappointment going ED, even if they are accepted to the ED school.</p>