<p>Where it would affect your merit aid package. I see threads that say you have to apply early because the money runs out and this school. Where as the other say you shouldn't apply EA because the better money is given out later. I'm very confused.</p>
<p>Then I notice on certain schools when you accept ED you have to give money and its non refundable. Sorry if this has been covered. If I can be redirected I'd be really grateful.</p>
<p>So how is it harmful to apply early at some schools and beneficial at others.</p>
<p>Early Decision (ED). When you apply ED you are supposed to be applying to a school you WILL attend if accepted. It should be your number one choice bar none. If you are accepted, you are supposed to withdraw all other applications and acceptances and send your admissions deposit to the ED school where you are accepted. The caveat to this is…many schools will allow you to NOT accept that ED offer if the financial aid does not work out for you. </p>
<p>The only problem is that you won’t really know if your ED financial aid offer is the worst…or the best one you will receive as you will have no others when you make this decision to accept or not the ED admission offer.</p>
<p>Early Action (EA). You can apply to schools early action and get an early admissions decision. In most cases, you won’t even have your financial aid offer until about the same time as the RD accepted kids. But you don’t have to make a commitment to the school until May 1.</p>
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<p>I think you are confusing some information.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>There are some financial aid awards that are first come/first served…things like the Perkins loans, SEOG are limited funding awards. Schools typically award these to those who apply first. This can also apply to institutional grant money at some schools. NOTE…you get these things based on your filing of the FAFSA which is NOT available until Jan 1 of your senior year in high school. Complete it ASAP after that date.</p></li>
<li><p>Some schools offer merit awards and their websites are very clear. To qualify for those, your admissions application MUST be filed by a certain date (most are December 1 or before for thes awards…you need to check EACH college website and each scholarship for the specific deadline dates). </p></li>
<li><p>Many schools ask ED students and EA students to file either a CSS Profile or a school form (or both) by a PRIORITY DEADLINE date so that they can send you a financial aid package with or shortly after your acceptance.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>That was extremely informative. So could I possibly get an example of this.</p>
<p>Such as an individual applying to Alabama for merit aid. Would he be applying in October or hold off so its not considered an EA or ED application? Or is it like a box people check off when they apply. I’m sorry the last time I applied to school was in 1996 and I’m not very clear on this since I went to a state school that was not selective at all.</p>
<p>Do they have specific dates that you file on that the application is considered EA or ED? or is it based on the type of application? How is it determined to be EA or ED is a clearer question.</p>
<p>It looks like U of Alabama has many different kinds of admissions. I would suggest you send a PM to Mom2collegekids. She is very familiar with U of A and admissions and aid.</p>