The Family That Applies Together Decides Together

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Maybe you spent the weekend knee-deep in snow angels. Or, after learning of Arne Duncan's 14-day holiday, vowed to give up the good fight.If you're in need of a little holiday inspiration, look no further than the Crouch quadruplets. Specifically, Ray, Kenny, Carol and Martina, who were featured on Saturday's front page of The New York Times.Last week, all four 18-year-olds were accepted to Yale University's early-action admission program. It was the first time the school admitted so many siblings into one class. And not only do the quadruplets, who attend Danbury, a public school in Connecticut, look incredibly cool, they also write poetry (Martina), enjoy sprinting (Ray), and volunteer at their local library, among other noble pursuits.Yale's early-admission program, unlike early decision plans that are binding, allows the Crouch quadruplets until next spring to make their decision.Applying early has distinct advantages and disadvantages. While students that opt for early decision may have a better chance at getting in, the financial aid landscape is not always as user-friendly. For instance, when a school knows that their campus represents a candidate's first choice, they can be less generous in awarding aid packages since they don't have to compete with offers from other colleges. Students also have less leverage when it comes to negotiation.Meanwhile, the Crouch family is faced with a heavy burden-private school tuition times four. Any advice for the Crouch clan as they weigh the potential pros and cons of continued togetherness versus a debt-ridden future?Photo via