Question about GW supplement and applying RD!!!

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I have a bit of a dilemma. I love GW, it's my first choice, but because of financial reasons I can't apply ED. I'm doing my Why GW Essay and debating whether I should put that in and whether it will hurt my admissions chances. I know GW likes that you show interest in the school so I definitely want to say it is my first choice in the essay, but saying it is my first choice and applying RD may make the admissions officer not believe it really is. I feel if I could give the reason that I did not apply ED (financial concerns) it might clear things up a bit, but then I don't want them to deny me because they may think I won't be able to pay for it and it's a waste for them to even admit me. (I think GW is need-blind, but I hear a lot of colleges who claim that still look at financial info)</p>

<p>I know I may be over thinking this a lot, but I do love GW and I want my essay to be perfect. Should I just say it is my first choice and leave it at that? Should I say I'm not applying ED because of financial reasons? or Should I just sound really enthusiastic and not even say anything about it being my first choice or finances?</p>

<p>This is a bit off topic, but I read an interesting article saying some colleges actually offer kids who are more interested in the school less financial aid than those who are not as interested because the interested students are more willing to go there regardless of what aid they get. I don't know if this happens at GW because they seem really concerned with how interested the applicant is in the University, but I just thought it was an interesting point. </p>

<p>Thanks!!!</p>

<p>I think FAFSA is due in febuary? So maybe you should EDII and then after you get your acceptance, submit the FAFSA. Just be sure to check off that you are applying for fin aid in the Common App (or the GW app). They usually have a box that says “Do you intend to apply for fin aid?” so just check that off. </p>

<p>As for the Why GW essay, i think you should sound enthusiastic! You wouldn’t have to tell them that it’s your first choice if you’re applying EDII (Because they obviously can see that it is your first choice). But if you decide to RD, then be sure to sound very enthusiastic and say that GW is, by far, your top choice. It won’t hurt to say it :)</p>

<p>i wish, but i can’t EDII. even with FAFSA there is no guarantee how much money I will get. I don’t need an insane amount of money of anything, but I need to make sure I won’t end up 100 grand in debt before I can really commit.</p>