<p>WUSTL is my first choice school, but I'm a little unsure on whether or not I should ED (and I guess this means I shouldn't???).</p>
<p>I know WUSTL offers great aid but I'm still paranoid-- my family situation is kind of rough and it's going to get rougher in the next few months.</p>
<p>I guess you can say that I kind of want to compare my financial options when the time comes... so I am considering changing to RD.</p>
<p>The problem is, I heard that ED is like the best way you can show interest in the school, and they count interest a lot. How do I tell them they are #1 on my list? I am applying for scholarships and going to one of their seminars, and I'll be there when one of the admissions reps comes to my high school. I'm also signing up for an interview.</p>
<p>Is there something else I should do, or should I go ahead and ED anyway?</p>
<p>Have you estimated what your family’s expected financial contribution is on the FAFSA? There are online calculators to do so. If you feel your family could cover the EFC, then I would apply ED. Wash U is pretty generous with financial aid. Most likely you would not have to contribute more than that amount if accepted.</p>
<p>Remember, WashU also uses the CSS, and they sometimes have VERY different outcomes (considering FAFSA doesn’t take into account non-custodial parents, and a few other things).</p>
<p>If you have need, and need to compare offers of FA - I’ve heard/read that it is not in your best interest to apply ED anywhere. I understand that visiting Wash U is considered interest … not sure if that is an option.</p>
<p>I did a REALLY rough EFC calculator (I think I found it on collegeboard) and the amount was wayyyyy too much for my parents to handle (it was like $19,000 a year). I’m not sure if I did it right… but I was worried when I saw it.</p>
<p>And sadly, I would not be able to visit WashU :(</p>
<p>Thank you guys, I will wait until the CSS comes out and try that… if all else, I guess I will join the RD pool.</p>
<p>I realize that Wash U uses the CSS profile for financial aid. I just thought it would be a good idea to do the EFC calculator to get a ballpark number, and if you know your family can’t pay the estimated EFC, don’t apply ED.</p>
<p>Do want you can to create a relationship with your admissions counselor … via email, phone. If they are making a visit anywhere near your hometown - go.</p>