<p>I have been reading all over the news how with increasing college prices and the downturn of the economy, families sending kids to college this year are facing some tough decisions. How do you think the economic crisis affected the Duke ED pool? Do you think that the ED pool continued to increase, or because parents (or whoever is paying for college) are fearful of the "binding" aspect of Early Decision financially, they did not allow students to apply early decision to Duke (or any other ED school).<br>
I know that Duke does have a policy that states that if you cannot financially afford the finad package awarded to you, you are able to back out of the early decision "binding" agreement, but I would think that 1) either people do not know about it or 2) even with that promise, families are still skeptical of the logistics of the whole policy and thus do not allow their child to apply ED.</p>
<p>As an early decision applicant, I feel fortunate enough to be able to apply ED, but also unsettled and truly sorry for students who are as obsessed with Duke as I am, and are unable to demonstrate their commitment and passion for the school. It seems like there is an unfair advantage.</p>
<p>What do you think? How will the affect the applicant ED pool for Duke. Will it increase, decrease, or stay the same from last year? And do other ED applicants have the same mixed feelings as I?</p>
<p>I think it will decrease slightly due to the current financial crisis and I agree that ED does give an advantage to the students higher up on the socioeconomic hierarchy; but imo that helps to offsets the advantage of affirmative action or "diversity" i guess is the preferred euphemism. i guess in that sense it is fair.</p>
<p>At some recognized private schools that are in Duke's cost range, ED applications have actually increased significantly. It's actually quite surprising considering the current economy, but perhaps some apply ED knowing that if the aid is not sufficient they can back out, but also have the higher admission percentage because of ED?</p>
<p>I don't know... Just an idea that made semi-sense in my head, I'm probably completely wrong, but I know of a few people who did go through with ED and said that if accepted they could then weigh options with aid and then decide?</p>
<p>Well it was based off a few people who graduated last year, one of which -did- pull that when he didn't recieve the financial aid he envisioned getting... Not that I agree with it.</p>
<p>RoryDuhMan- I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the ED application pool has increased. While I do agree the economy probably does raise a concern this year, Duke's reputation has only grown as well as the difficulty of being accepted, I feel many will apply ED in hopes of raising their admit chances. I think the few I was speaking of will put admission above finances as a foremost thought, there's always exceptions.</p>