Is this a sound admissions strategy?

[vonlost]

<p>“read American’s information regarding ED and make sure it is in writing that you can decline the ED offer if the family cannot afford.”</p>

<p>I am regularly perplexed by this warning. What do people think is the alternative? That attendance could somehow be compelled and then the student would be expelled when the bill couldn’t be paid? Does anyone seriously think this happens?</p>

<p>For schools that accept the Common Application, it is already in writing:

Should a student who applies for financial aid not be offered an award that makes attendance possible, the student may decline the offer of admission and be released from the Early Decision commitment.

<a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/docs/downloadforms/ED_Agreement.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/docs/downloadforms/ED_Agreement.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>This article might be interesting:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/education/edlife/strategy.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/education/edlife/strategy.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;