<p>I am confused about ED application. On these boards I have read how:
** it is important to let your school of choice know of your passion for them by applying ED or EA and that in most cases this may enhance your chance of acceptance.
** if you are a recruited athlete at a DIII, NAIA or DII school, there will be pressure to apply ED / EA and it will help you
AND
** NO ONE should EVER consider applying anywhere ED if they need financial aid.</p>
<p>Are all of these true? Or have I misunderstood?</p>
<p>DS will be applying for Fall '07 and will be qualifying for need-based aid as well as looking for merit aid. He is also likely to be a DIII recruit in soccer and / or tennis.
Should we eliminate ED from thought??
Thanks for thoughts and clarification.</p>
<p>I don't think you should never apply ED if you're applying for financial aid, but you need to take into account that you may not be getting an ideal package. Weigh the pros and cons, and if money isn't a serious issue than by all means go for it. As far as being a recruited athlete, applying ED/EA will obviously (most likely) increase their chances, but if they're wanted enough by the coach, it shouldn't matter too much when they apply.</p>
<p>I think the logic behind the Financial Aid thing and ED is that it is important to remember, if/when accepted, ED becomes a binding legal contract. The student is forced to go, and the financial packages might not be what the family expects so the incur massive amounts of debt... potentially; but on the otherhand, ED does significantly improve one's chances of acceptance at a certain school. So balance is key, I guess.</p>