<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I'm currently a high school junior and a prospective student for the Tufts class of 2016. I am seriously considering applying early decision next fall. However, some people have advised me not to apply early decision because I will receive less financial aid and will not be able to do anything about it. I would be absolutely heartbroken if I was admitted to Tufts but could not go because of insufficient financial aid. I can't see myself going anywhere else right now.</p>
<p>Is there any truth to there being a disadvantage financial aid-wise when applying early decision?</p>
<p>Tufts financial aid is based purely on need, so there should be no difference in the package regardless of when you apply.</p>
<p>The financial aid office doesn’t care when you apply. The aid awards are calculated the same and there would be absolutely no difference in award between Early and Regular.</p>
<p>I would say the only disadvantage is that for RD, you get to look at your FA before you decide to attend or not; if the package isn’t good enough, you could always try to negotiate or attend a different college. However, ED is pretty much binding; the only way you can get out of it is if you can prove that you legitimately cannot pay the tuition/fees. That is easier said than done…it’s pretty difficult to actually “prove” that you cannot pay.</p>
<p>GoldOwl, you don’t have to prove you can’t afford the package. If a family says they can’t afford it, that’s the end of the matter. </p>
<p>OP, have you talked with your parents yet about your family’s budget for college? You should have a solid idea of exactly how much your family is going to be able to contribute, and how that compares with estimates from a FAFSA calculator and a generous private school’s calculator. I suggest using Princeton’s, though their aid can be more generous than what most schools offer.</p>
<p>@GoldOwl: Proving that you cannot pay is much easier for internationals.</p>