"With the imminent arrival of early-decision results comes a new round of hand-wringing about the admissions practice, which affords students a better chance of getting accepted to their top institution but requires them to commit if admitted. Critics argue that the practice disadvantages low- and middle-income students, who fear being locked into attending a college before they know if they can afford it-although many colleges with an early-decision option allow students to back out over financial constraints."
"But despite the criticisms, some institutions are aiming to make the practice more equitable. A handful of small liberal arts colleges have introduced initiatives in recent years to allow students to preview their financial aid offers before they decide whether or not to apply early, which admissions leaders say they hope will make lower-income students feel more comfortable taking the leap."
Early-decision admissions offer applicants higher acceptance odds but impose a binding commitment if admitted. Critics contend the policy disadvantages low- and middle-income families who fear committing before verifying affordability and comparing multiple financial aid offers. Many early-decision programs allow students to decline for financial reasons, but wealthier families still disproportionately apply early. Common App data showed students from the wealthiest ZIP codes were twice as likely to apply early decision. Several small liberal arts colleges have created initiatives to address inequities by offering early financial-aid previews. Reed College introduced early-decision aid reviews that let applicants view calculated financial-aid packages before receiving final admission decisions.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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