<p>Bree26, I see in a prior post that your son was accepted early decision by Wofford College. Under their early decision policy (like many), he was allowed to APPLY to other schools but if accepted ED, then he must withdraw applications from all other schools. Wofford is more flexible than some and allows a Feb 1 deadline to do so. Otherwise, your son can give up his early decision status, and be considered an regular decision candidate. THIS is typical of how early decision programs work. </p>
<p>From Wofford’s website:
“Completed application due by November 15, decisions are mailed December 5. *Note: The Early Decision option is recommended for students who know Wofford is a top college choice. Students who apply early may apply to other colleges. Students accepted for the Early Decision deadline must notify Wofford by February 1 of their intention to enroll by paying a $300 non-refundable deposit and by withdrawing all applications for admission to other colleges. Students who choose not to make a commitment at this time may request that their applications be reconsidered for the regular application deadline.”</p>
<p>I agree that Wofford does not mention that the decison is “binding”. It’s implied by the fact that you must withdraw all other applications - so therefore you can’t wait to see where else you get accepted. Nor can the student compare FA packages. Most top colleges offer the same option of switching to RD, but that is usually required BEFORE the decision notification (typically Dec 15).</p>
<p>OP, just be aware that if a special circumstance in 2009 made the ae djusted gross income higher your EFC for 2010 may be higher. If a one time circumstance raises income the expectation is that the funds are available for EFC. When you fill out your 2010 FAFSA your EFC for 2011 would come down to the level you calculated.
You can of course, still appeal but you may not have success. Where sometimes those appeals are successful is in the reverse situtation where a special circumstance caused a huge expense ie. loss of job or health care issue.</p>
<p>Only recently have I heard about a very few colleges that offer “non-binding” ED. Furman is another, I believe. Basically, the student applies ED and has to submit a deposit before hearing back from any RD schools, but s/he may withdraw (refuse the offer) for any reason, not just due to insufficient financial aid, without penalty.</p>
<p>Thanks Keilexandra for the info about Furman. I guess this option is good for someone who definitely has a 1st choice but doesn’t know if he can afford it. He finds out if he is accepted and is provided his FA pkg at that point. So, if the cost is acceptable, the student is all set. BUT unlike standard ED, he can walk away if he doesn’t like the ED offer without having to provide a reason why. In this case, his walking away from the ED acceptance shouldn’t hurt this student or future students from his HS when applying to the same school. That is a benefit. On the downside, the student must still decide whether to attend BEFORE hearing back from any other schools. He must pull his apps if he applied anywhere else. He can’t mull any other acceptances, can’t compare financial aid offers. I wonder if more schools will follow this trend.</p>
<p>“BUT unlike standard ED, he can walk away if he doesn’t like the ED offer without having to provide a reason why.”</p>
<p>This gets argued to death, but the Common App doesn’t require giving a reason for finding an ED FA offer to be insufficient; “thanks, but no thanks” is all that’s required, and the student will be released. There are only rumors of vindictiveness toward the student or HS when insufficient FA is the reason for turning down an ED offer. If there is any doubt, ask the school for their policy in this specific case.</p>