here is the situation.

<p>I am debating whether or not to apply to Vanderbilt under the EDII policy. This is not a result of external pressure; I feel that my future success lies with a strong university and some little voice at the bottom of my heart - reliable or not from an outsider's perspective - tells me that Vanderbilt is the place for me. The deadline is the same as the RD application. This gives me ample time to build a solid application, plus by applying ED, it shows that I am sincerely committed to going to Vanderbilt.</p>

<p>My only reserve is my family's financial aid situation. I was told by friends who are familiar with the admissions process that it would be unwise for me to apply ED regardless if Vandy is my first choice. Their reasoning lies in the belief that Vandy is not obligated to give me the financial aid I need under an ED application simply due to the fact that I would already be committed to attending. I spoke with James Onwuachi (Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions) personally and he informed me that this was not the case and that if I was interested in attending Vanderbilt, I should apply ED. The financial aid package, he reassured me, would come as a pleasant surprise. Also, I understand that one can appeal the financial aid package if one feels that it is insufficient. </p>

<p>Like I previously stated, I want to be at Vanderbilt for the next four years of my life, and I would love to apply early but because of the financial picture, I am not sure what to do. Help, please?</p>

<p>GPA: 3.9 W, 3.7 W
ACT: 32
Great volunteer work and extracurricular activities.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot!</p>

<p>Your friends are right. If finances are a concern, it's unwise to apply ED.</p>

<p>Remember that even though Vandy does, I believe, guarantee to meet 100% of family's demonstrated need, Vandy, not the family determines one's need, and the aid package may include more loans than you feel comfortable accepting.</p>

<p>Also, if you apply elsewhere and get better offers from equivalent colleges, that may give you the ability to negotiate with Vandy for better aid.</p>

<p>While you like Vandy, also realize that the U.S. has thousands of colleges, and it's highly unlikely that Vandy is the only one that you'd be happy attending.</p>

<p>thank you for your reply, northstarmom.</p>

<p>Another reason why I am so anxious to apply ED is because of the competition at my school. I am a good student and I believe that I am a strong applicant, but there are eleven other very qualified students applying to Vanderbilt RD. Many of these students are merely applying here because it's their safety, in case they are not granted admission into the Ivies. They have stronger stats than me, and therefore, I feel that if I apply ED, I will be showing my committment to attending Vanderbilt. </p>

<p>I am frustrated.</p>

<p>If finances are a concern, you are in the position that most college applicants are in the country: You can not apply ED without taking a big unnecessary financial risk. </p>

<p>Your goal needs to be to offer yourself the best financial opportunities at universities that you'd be happy attending. To do that, you would be wise to not apply ED, and to also make sure that you have financial safeties on your list (financial safeties = schools where you know you'll be accepted, know you can afford, and know you'd enjoy attending) as well as some match schools to your favorite school. If you get into those match schools and your fave school, and the match schools offer you better aid, you would be in a good position to negotiate with your favorite school.</p>

<p>Of course, you also should apply to general match schools, and you should make sure that you do any extra merit aid applications that the colleges you're applying to offer.</p>

<p>And continue to remind yourself that because the U.S. has so many good colleges, there certainly are more colleges than Vandy where you could be happy and fulfilled.</p>