<p>So I have always thought that Cornell ED is binding meaning that you HAVE to go there if you are accepted, but my mom keeps telling me otherwise and that I can apply to any other college as well. Is that true?
I just want to clear things up. I went on the Cornell site but I could only find one page about Early Decision, and they didn't exactly explicitly state that it was binding, but it seemed as if they were implying it.
I just want to make sure I know what's right.</p>
<p>ED is inherently binding - I think most schools will let you out if your financial situation makes it impossible for you to attend their school and they aren't giving you enough money. If it's an issue of preference, my understanding is that you're pretty much bound.</p>
<p>your mom is completely wrong. ED is BINDING. If Cornell finds out that you are applying to other schools are they accepted you ED then they can take back their acceptance.</p>
<p>ED is binding in theory, however there is no legal obligation to go to the school you are accepted to ED. At my school a while ago, a kid was accepted to a certain college ED, but applied to other colleges and ended up not going to the ED college. Our school has been "blacklisted" ever since, which means the college pretty much doesn't accept anyone at all, accept for two siblings who had major connections. Legally, there are no repercussions to not attending a college you get into ED, but you really should (unless you want to screw everyone over from your school who wants to go to that college).</p>
<p>It's essentially impossible to get into a more desirable college if you try to weasel out of an ED commitment.</p>
<p>Okay!
Thank you guys for confirming what I have always thought to be true! I will tell my mom.
Thank you again.</p>