<p>calmom: "I thought that by definition, ED was a binding commitment. The Reed site says" ...</p>
<p>It's on a different page, <a href="http://www.reed.edu/academic/catalog/35.html:%5B/url%5D">http://www.reed.edu/academic/catalog/35.html:</a> "Early Decision Option I: Candidates applying under the early decision Option I must submit all application materials by November 15. Admission decisions on completed applications will be mailed by December 15. Providing the Profile and Reed's application form 6 are on file in the financial aid office by November 15, a tentative financial aid decision will be mailed with the offer of admission."</p>
<p>I double-checked with Reed admissions about its truly being an offer; they confirmed, it's an offer, with no penalty due to financial issues. Reed is not part of the 31-school COHFE group which shares information with others about ED students who have declined enrollment; Reed does not penalize in such cases.</p>