<p>"It DOES NOT mean your need for aid is hidden from them,". They do not access your financial aid application for details. They only know if you will apply for aid or not based on the checkmark you put on the common app. However, unless you write an essay on how poor is your family or economic difficulties, they will not know the amount you need.</p>
<p>It is not "(supposedly)". It is a fact that, at least the before mentioned schools, do NOT take into account your finances. That is information they would probably look into details once you are admitted, in order to send you the package along with the aid offer if you are admitted.</p>
<p>a friend of mine got a letter from penn specifically stating that chances of international students are enhanced if they havent applied for aid. hence it gave her an option to even withdraw from financial aid. its obvious these schools just like any other businesses need money to run. hence they'll be willing to give money prolly to the most competitive students..otherwise they need the money too. that doesnt mean they will admit somebody below their standards. but ya not applying for aid does increase the chances of a "probable" kid who wud have been wait listed/deferred otherwise.
please comment</p>