<p>Hello my sons childhood friend is in a bit of a dilemma. He is from just outside New Orleans and applied ed2 for Vanderbilt. He feels he probably will get in, the problem is there have been really bad family problems in his home recently (including police involvement). He is concerned about leaving his sibling behind and now may want to go closer to home to Tulane or LSU and with his stats he is almost certain he will get in to both (LSU for sure). He does not have any financial problems nor would he even qualify for any aid. Any advice I can have my son to give him as he is concerned about breaking an ed agreement?</p>
<p>Sounds like a tough situation. If at all possible, it would be best if he start with his high school guidance counselor in person, and work with him/her to determine the best course of action.</p>
<p>However, if he is worried about his brother while he is in college, how will his college work suffer if he is closer to home? Should he also look at a gap year?</p>
<p>The gap year is a good suggestion, at least to have under discussion. If that is not the decision, then absolutely don’t worry about the ED agreement. Those are not business agreements in the usual sense, and they are not enforceable in any legal sense. Of course there is an ethical issue normally, but ethics tells us we have to weigh various commitments and obligations when they conflict, and family obviously outweighs any obligation to a university.</p>
<p>Since these family situations can be very fluid (and I am speaking in generalities of course, since we know nothing about the particulars), I would not do anything with Vanderbilt at this time. Who knows, he might not even get in, and then it is moot. But if he gets in and if the situation turns out that it makes more sense for him to go to school close to home, then a letter to his admissions officer at Vandy explaining the situation will suffice. They will understand, and they will suffer no harm. Vandy has many excellent candidates on the waiting list that would be happy to have the spot.</p>
<p>Difficult situation, I feel bad for him. Hopefully it can be resolved some other way and he can continue with his original plans.</p>
<p>Thank you that is what I will tell them, he is having a tough time with this because he would feel awful about breaking an ed commitment.</p>
<p>bump, love to hear from anyone with experience in this</p>