<p>For those of you who are planning on applying early decision (or already did), or those of you who are not going to (or did not), why? Did anyone regret applying early decision, or the other way around?</p>
<p>My son applied ED a few years ago. It was a very good thing for him/for us.</p>
<p>In general the postives (assuming you’re accepted) are:
–only having to complete one application
–save on application fees to multiple schools
–getting accepted early and being able to relax and enjoy the rest of your senior year
–having more time to make plans, arrange finances, travel, etc.
–a possible boost in your chances of getting admitted (although this depends on the school and the apparent statistical boost can be skewed by athlete and legacy admits from the ED pool)</p>
<p>Negatives (all related to the binding nature of ED):
–you may have second thoughts later in the year when you see your friends choosing between options in the spring, or experience other regrets about your choice
–unable to compare financial aid awards
–if not accepted, very short time to submit other apps and that window of time usually overlaps significantly with winter break, so no access to school counselors, etc.</p>
<p>The reason I am asking this is that I am considering applying early decision to a school I am absolutely in love with, but am not sure if this is the right choice, or if I should wait until regular decision. Thanks, 'rentof2, and anyone else’s experiences or opinions would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Those in love with a school are usually okay, but for those who apply ED for some other reason: it’s a looooong time from December to September, plenty of time to change one’s mind (as 'rentof2 noted above) and regret the decision, often having CC as the only option.</p>
<p>rentof2 hit the list on the head for us … our oldest had a by far first choice (and we were pretty darn sure this would not change) and we knew FA was not in the picture … so applying ED made a lot of sense for her. However if FA is an issue or there is much of chance that the student might change their mind or the student has not had a chance to really investigate their options (including visits) than applying ED doesn’t make a lot sense to me.</p>
<p>For a student in love with one school, but needing FA, the question is often simply: can I afford it? The calculators usually do a decent job of predicting, and even if there is a nasty surprise, the FA offer can be declined, and RD applications are sent as if ED was not attempted.</p>
<p>Yup, we knew fairly well what we could expect in FA based on our financials and the ED school’s aid policies. We took that “falling in love” with a college issue off the table right from the start when he was putting together a list, visiting schools, etc. So we ended up with a nice list of colleges where he’d be very happy to attend, out of that list he had a few he was more drawn to than others. We considered the FA piece with regard to each one of those few. One of them had significantly better aid policies (as they pertained to our particular situation) than the others, and ED gave him maybe a little better shot at getting in… so we went for it.</p>
<p>He got in. He’ll be a junior in the fall. It was nothing but good for us. He had no regrets or second thoughts and still counts himself as very lucky to be there.</p>
<p>If FA is not a part of the equation, then what are your opinions on applying ED? The school I am thinking of is one that I have been in love with, and basically known I wanted to go to since I was little. I am also a legacy there. But I’m not sure if by applying there I am being too safe, and should explore my options a little more. However, out of all the schools I’ve visited, it’s the only one I’ve really been able to get excited about and the one that’s really stuck with me. Any advice?</p>
<p>If the ED application deadline is in December, wait until December to decide. :)</p>
<p>I definitely regret not applying early decision, and I mean Really. The reason I didn’t was because back in Nov/Dec, I wasnt sure which college I wanted to go to. But after applying and doing more research I realized how much I wanted to go to a certain university.</p>
<p>SO, if you’re certain you want to attend a specific college and you know that ED applicants have a higher chance of getting, it is worth a try. I think that ED applicants do have large advantages for some schools with competitive programs.</p>
<p>I’m facing this decision currently. I am absolutely in love with a school with HIGHLY competitive admissions. I know my financial aid will work out because we’re pretty darned poor and have little EFC ANYWHERE, haha. However, my dad recently passed away, and I’m pretty much the only support my mom has. I feel uncomfortable with the knowledge that if I am admitted, I HAVE to leave her, because I’m afraid she may decide she needs me down the road. I don’t want to be too far away to reach her. (I’m in the deep, DEEP south.)
Anyway, ED would give me a much better chance at gaining acceptance… and I really, really want to be at this university.
Is it worth it?</p>
<p>I am very sorry for your loss of your father.</p>
<p>As far as a distant college though, ask you mom what her feelings are about it. I know my kids would probably have the same concerns if I was in your mom’s position, but honestly it would be far worse for me if they didn’t aim for what they really wanted because they were trying to protect me somehow. Talk to your mom. It will almost certainly be something that happens over multiple conversations, and maybe evolves from one position to another on both your parts, but have the conversation.</p>