<p>Johns Hopkins being one of many universities offering early decision, if one is accepted, one needs to attend the university and withdrew all the application sent to other universities. However, I have heard from people that if early decision school does not provide you with the sufficient scholarship, you may enroll to the other university. But if we had to withdraw the application to other university, how can this be done? I am extremely confused and worried that I won't get enough scholarships. For sure I won't be able to pay for such a expensive school. By the way, does Johns Hopkins have need-blind policy? Thank you so much. On the side note, I live in Canada.</p>
<p>You ask a lot of questions but unfortunately it all depends.</p>
<p>Are you an international student (non-US citizen, non-US permanent resident)? If you are an international student then the admissions process is not need-blind but rather need-aware. And if you are international student who is applying for financial need then you should not apply under the binding early decision process. Scholarship decisions and decisions about financial assistance for international students are not made during the ED review process, so therefore the only decisions you would receive if you applied ED would be deny or defer. </p>
<p>Now if you are not an international student (you are either a US citizen or US permanent resident) then things are a bit different. You may apply under the binding Early Decision program and you will be eligible for financial aid. Once again, scholarship decisions are not rendered until the RD round, but ED applicants who are admitted ED will receive an estimated financial aid award if they complete their application for aid. </p>
<p>In these circumstances, if we are unable to offer you adequate need-based financial aid, you may be released from the Early Decision contract. Because no additional need-based aid would be available to you as a Regular Decision (RD) candidate, your application would also be removed from consideration altogether.</p>
<p>Finally, for any applicant who is hoping to receive merit aid, it is advisable that they do not apply under the Early Decision plan.</p>
<p>Hope all that makes sense. You should review the following sites for more info:</p>
<p>International Student FAQ: <a href="http://apply.jhu.edu/faqs/international.html%5B/url%5D">http://apply.jhu.edu/faqs/international.html</a>
Early Decision FAQ: <a href="http://apply.jhu.edu/faqs/ed.html%5B/url%5D">http://apply.jhu.edu/faqs/ed.html</a></p>
<p>Hi, AdmissionsDaniel,</p>
<p>In your post, you say that "for any applicant who is hoping to receive merit aid, it is advisable that they do not apply under the Early Decision plan." I checked the Early Decision FAQ site that you linked to, to find out more about ED and merit aid. The FAQ says: "Choosing Early Decision will not limit your financial aid options or consideration for merit scholarships."</p>
<p>Can you explain why it would not be advisable to apply ED if an applicant is hoping to receive merit aid? Also, does the FAQ contradict that, or am I missing something?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your insight and advice.</p>
<p>You will not receive notification if you are awarded a merit aid scholarship with your acceptance packet in december if you apply ED. They don't pick who receives a merit scholarships until april so if you are depending on that to attend JHU than you should wait until RD where it isn't binding. However, a fin. aid estimate is included in the ED acceptance packet based on need. </p>
<p>The OP was concerned with the cost of attendence and in that case you don't want to be banking on merit aid if your ED because you won't know if you get a merit scholarship until it's to late to apply to other schools. You still have the same chance to get a merit scholarship if your ED or RD. It's just they award the scholarships after all applications are received no matter if your ED or RD.</p>
<p>OK, now I get it. Thanks, hswrestling.</p>
<p>Nothing to add ... hswrestling07's answer was absolutely perfect. Great job understanding and explaining the process. </p>
<p>Additionally, I thought I would link to a recent, similar question I answered on the Hopkins Interactive forums:
<a href="http://z14.invisionfree.com/Hopkins_Forums/index.php?showtopic=555%5B/url%5D">http://z14.invisionfree.com/Hopkins_Forums/index.php?showtopic=555</a></p>
<p>Thanks, AdmissionsDaniel. The Hopkins Interactive forums are very helpful.</p>