<p>Re: prententiousness - OP attends one of the elite boarding schools in the nation. That he would like to avoid this kind of rarefied/trust-fund baby atmosphere is to his credit.</p>
<p>Applying ED as an undergrad has zero bearing on grad school admissions. Grad committees do not know whether the student was admitted then had to reject the offer due to financial reasons, but even if they were apprised of the fact, parents’ financial circumstances have no bearing on admissions to a grad program, it’s merit only.</p>
<p>I agree that Michigan is a bad fit for OP though.</p>
<p>OP: contact Carleton and Pomona to show interest.</p>