Early Decision Applications Are One-Sided. The Wrong Side
Unlike early action admissions policies having very little downside to the student, early decision policies are tactics that used car salesmen could only dream of. Imagine you walk into a car dealer and want to buy a car. He slides a contract across his desk which requires you to buy a car from him before he shows you the car or the price. This is early decision.
Why We Don’t Recommend Early Decision Applications
- Require You to Commit to the College Upon Acceptance
- All Other Applications are Null and Void
- Must Commit to the College Before You Know the Financial Aid Offer
Early Decision (ED) policies require a student to commit to the college if they are admitted as soon as the college’s admission decision is reached. All other applications to other schools are null and void. This is even before you know what kind of financial offer you will receive from the college. In other words, you must commit to the college without knowing what you will pay.
This is the worst financial and negotiating position you could possibly put yourself in. You don’t know what you have committed to, and you don’t have any leverage to negotiate.
If you have any desire to save any money on college, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES APPLY EARLY DECISION.