<p>I went through a similar dilemma, which you can read about in my thread about ED and finances.</p>
<p>Frankly, if you really love the school, you need to tell them exactly what the situation is, and if they recommend you apply ED, then you may. It is a lot of trouble and a difficult situation if you don’t get the aid you want/need, so I would recommend you hold off until regular decision if you are really worried about aid. If I could do it again, I think I would. Then there isn’t any obligation to go if the aid doesn’t line up the way you want. While you CAN back out of the agreement if need be, it isn’t the most fun way to handle finances.</p>