REALISTICALLY, how hard is it to....

<p>Get out of an ED/ED2 contract.....</p>

<p>Let me give you a possible make-believe scenario:</p>

<p>"Harvard is my dream school, but I got deferred ED, so I applied ED2 to _____(fill in the blank). Now, I get into this ED2 school. However, around the same time, I find out that I won some huge math/science/music/writing (you get it...) competition, which makes me a much better applicant. With this new information, Harvard accepts me in the RD pool. </p>

<p>So, can I tell the ED2 school that I don't want to go there anymore? I know they say it's a binding contract, etc., but is it possible to get out of it, considering the new information that makes me more qualified, but that wasn't available earlier on, when I decided to apply ED2?</p>

<p>Was anyone here ever in a similar situation?</p>

<p>To me...it sounds like you're trying to play the system.</p>

<p>Don't apply ED2 if it's not your number one (two in this case) choice.</p>

<p>No, that is not even close to a valid reason. The only thing that could get you out of a contract is if you have some dire situation (sick family at home and you want to stay close by) or due to extreme financial reasons.</p>

<p>If you got in EDII, I'd imagine that you'd have to withdraw your other applications before you get a chance to find out the results.</p>

<p>I guess the way to look at it is this: how would you feel if (a) you get accepted ED II by the college and then make all your plans to attend the college and withdraw your other apps, and then (b) about the end of April, that college sends you a letter saying, "We have decided to rescind your EDII admission because we found someone whom we think is better than you to admit." That is essentially the same thing you are proposing by suggesting you should be able to rescind your EDII agreement if you later get accepted to a college you like more. With ED, you agree to attend and withdraw other apps upon being notified of admission. Colleges are somewhat lenient in allowing applicants to back out of EDII if the applicant, after seeing the financial aid package, still cannot afford to attend. But the reason you give is not a valid one.</p>

<p>do you have to prove to them that you cannot afford the school?</p>

<p>I assume so; the binding contract would be pretty ineffective otherwise. People like the OP's hypothetical student could back out for any reason by lying about their financial situation.</p>