Highly selective universities are facing criticism concerning their early decision policies favoring affluent and wealthy students, and children of alumni and donors. Early decision demands a commitment to a university without revealing financial aid packages, hence perpetuating inequality through inconsideration of the financial affordability of students. Despite arguments to foster a more equitable and inclusive admission process, universities continue to maintain early decision policies to gain a competitive edge. There has been limited action to eliminate this policy, but some universities have said they will be reconsidering.
