How to Get
Affirmative Action
for the Rich
(When You're Not)

Here's why Early Decision is known as Affirmative Action for the Rich.

Early Decision is a way to apply to a college where you promise that if you get in, you'll go to that college and stop applying to others.

This method tends to favor wealthy students that don't need to shop financial aid offerings from multiple schools.

In other words, they can pre-commit, because they can afford to pay full tuition.

This is unfortunate because Early Decision truly gives applicants a very real advantage!

Early Decision applications receive a more forgiving and leisurely read than others, there are more available spots at the beginning of the admissions cycle, and applying early increases your chance of getting accepted by 20% - 30%.

So, how can you leverage Early Decision when you can't afford to pay full-freight tuition.

Let me tell you a secret...

While applying Early Decision is binding, it's not unconditional.

Colleges do offer financial aid even to students that apply Early Decision.

And if your college's award package is unaffordable, you are no longer obligated to accept.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling states very clearly "Should a student who applies for financial aid not be offered an award that makes attendance possible, the student may decline the offer of admission and be released from the early decision commitment."

True, opting for Early Decision might mean less financial aid negotiating power.

But let's face it, your bargaining power is already diminished by the sheer volume of regular decision applicants.

So, if your student knows without a doubt, which college they want to attend, try applying Early Decision.

It's not just for the rich!