Russell Williams's column attacking the current early decision policy is just another example of uninformed whining on the part of Duke students. Williams seems to think that early decision is only an option for those who plan to pay their tuition in full and up front, but this is clearly not the case. I am not rich, and I applied early decision.
I knew that I could matriculate only if I was very well taken care of financially, and I did this because I really was committed to coming here. I also had done my homework and knew that if I were accepted, my family would get the aid that it needed.
There are ways to figure out how much a student's family will be expected to contribute toward his education well before the application process even begins (check out the financial aid calculators on collegeboard.com).
The amount will not be different if one is accepted early decision rather than regular decision.
In addition, Duke's Office of Financial Aid is wonderfully helpful if you are willing to work with them. My original package was more than doubled after my parents and I had a few number crunching sessions with my financial aid officer. If a student is accepted, Duke will do everything possible to allow him to attend.
I do agree that there are some problems with the current early decision policy, as many applicants see it as a possible strategic move rather than what it was originally intended to be: a way for students, like me, who truly fall in love with the school to show their commitment to the admissions office.
However, the financial problems that many applicants foresee can be avoided through research, along with regular, open communication with the financial aid office even before a student applies. There are all kinds of options available if a person is willing to put some effort into making it work.
It is true that a student who is accepted early decision cannot know his financial aid package down to the last dime, but this is a risk that a person truly committed to Duke should not be uncomfortable taking.
Duke's financial aid options and policies allow for a student to have a very good idea of the aid that will be provided, and it has been my experience that those who truly need the help will get it.
Besides, applicants who want to "shop around" and see which school will come up with the "best deal" should not even be thinking about early decision in the first place.
Obviously these people do not have their hearts set on coming here.
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