<p>I really love UPenn and I think I have a good shot of getting in if I apply early decision. The only thing is that I'm scared to commit. What if later on I decide that I don't want to be that far away from home or something? You just never know what could happen. But on the other hand, I know if I get rejected regular decision I will regret not trying for ED. I do really want to go there, I'm just afraid of the commitment for some reason. I'm so torn ahhhh. Can anyone offer me a little insight?</p>
<p>Can you financially swing Penn if the FA aid package not what you expected? Is there another school you are looking at that causes you to be torn or just a general feeling? Do you love an urban environment?</p>
<p>If the answer to these questions is yes, my suggestion is go for it as there is a boost in applying ED to Penn, which at least last year took more candidates ED by % than any other Ivy (per NYT The Choice web site stats). </p>
<p>If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it my not be a good idea to go for Penn ED. If you are competitive at Penn ED you can get into lots of great schools and so commit to Penn only if you are sure.</p>
<p>It’s a hard question. </p>
<p>There is a quote from an old movie called Risky Business
“Sometimes you just have to say what the f***”. </p>
<p>Basically, there are times when it’s worth taking a calculated risk. It sounds like you’ve done the calculations and assessed the upside and downside of the decision in terms of UPenn. Now you need to assess the chances of you deciding later that you don’t want to be that far away. Is it 1%? Is it 50%? </p>
<p>Once you’ve done the analysis, it’s time to face your fear and take a leap of faith in your own judgement. My view is that the more opportunities that you give yourself to make mistakes after taking calculated risks, the more comfortable you’ll be in taking them. Calculated risks are often worth taking. Life is long and fear needs to be conquered by rational thought to live life well.</p>
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<p>Not an issue particularly at UPenn. The longest thread in the history of CC discusses that to death. UPenn, in particular, encourages students who need financial aid to apply ED if it’s their first choice. They don’t want ED to be only reserved for the rich. If the package they offer you does not allow you to attend, in YOUR opinion, they will release you from your obligation. Not all schools are like this, but Penn definitely is.</p>
<p>melanie: when is the ED submit deadline? No offense but this is a very bad time to be asking that question of yourself. Frankly, the fact that it’s not a done decision at this point just SCREAMS that you should apply RD instead.</p>
<p>Great re Penn, but sometimes parents expectations are different than even the most generous FA schools? In any event like your quote form Risky Business and generally agree with that philosophy except in OP’s case (unlike Tom Cruise, P v. UIUC) she may have other opportunities just/almost as good.</p>
<p>Go for it! That is if it’s not too late? We’re you impacted by the hurricane?
Being too far from home not a great reason to doubt. Get over that and quick!</p>