<p>I'm with your mom. If financial aid and/or college costs are a consideration to your family, you should not apply ED. Period. You simply can't afford to bind yourself to a college like that.</p>
<p>In addition, you need to open your mind to seriously considering more colleges than Brown, including colleges that you definitely know that your family can afford. There are many more colleges that could offer you a fulfilling experience.</p>
<p>Just because we want something in this life doesn't mean we have to get it or that's the only thing that will make us happy. My fave car is a silver VW bug. I can't afford one. I drive a car that I can afford, and I don't waste my time being resentful about not having a bug.</p>