Vassar has been my top choice for a while, but the campus visit I recently did really knocked it out of the park. My parents loved it, too- they raved about the campus and facilities and my mom thinks that I should apply ED. My only qualm with applying ED is the financial aid aspect. While my mom said that she will help with the cost found on the NPC and that it’s doable, I’m nervous that the actual cost if I were accepted would be higher or unaffordable. Is this likely? Is it still possible to appeal financial aid if you’re applying ED? And worst case scenario, how bad would it be to withdraw due to financial reasons?
I’ll talk to my guidance counselor in the fall, of course, but I’d like some insight as the fall comes closer. Thank you!
Only apply ED if 1) you are certain it is your top choice school (which seems to be the case) and 2) you have no need/desire to compare financial offers between schools (which may not be the case).
I can tell you that the NPC at Vassar was spot on for us :). Best of luck!!!
ED increases your chances of acceptance (assuming you are a qualified candidate), so if you love Vassar, go for it!
If you truly cannot afford what they offer, that is the one legitimate reason they will release you from the binding ED agreement. You will not be forced to pay beyond your means. It is not “bad” at all to withdraw for genuine financial reasons.
And yes, people do appeal financial aid decisions upon ED acceptance and get adjustments… although one might argue that they have less incentive if you do not have another college’s more favorable package to show them.
But if your mom says the EFC given by the NPC seems manageable, odds are your aid package will match your needs! (Although you are correct that it is possible that particular quirks of your family’s financial situation may lead to aid that is more or less than the estimate.). But if your parent thinks you should apply ED, there seems to be no reason not to!
You might want to apply early action to a safety school at the same time. It will help ease the blow if you are deferred or rejected or under-aided by Vassar.
In general, Vassar is generous with aid.
Good luck!