<p>If you run the NPC and don't qualify for any aid, is there any point in checking the box saying you're applying for it? Could it be a disadvantage?</p>
<p>For need blind schools it is not a disadvantage. If you are applying to any need-aware schools that could likely be a disadvantage. </p>
<p>For some schools, if you do not apply for financial aid the first year, it is not possible to apply later. </p>
<p>For example, this from Columbia University: “Can families apply for financial aid in future years if they do not apply the first year? Yes, under certain circumstances. A family that experiences a change in circumstances may apply for financial aid at any time. For example, it is not uncommon for a family to suffer a job loss or illness or for a younger sibling to begin attending college. Please note, however, that institutional aid will usually be awarded only in cases that involve an involuntary change in circumstances. Parents who decide to retire early or to invest in a business start-up may not be awarded institutional aid. It is a good idea to include a letter describing your family’s change in circumstances with any new financial aid application.”</p>
<p>So there may be an advantage to apply just in case you would have some need in later years. Some parents also prefer to have their children apply for and receive the federal loans (available to all students at any income level) so that they are more motivated to do well in school and have “some skin in the game”.</p>
<p>Depending on your situation, NPCs may not always be completely accurate. So like mentioned above, it won’t hurt to apply for aid at need-blind schools. </p>
<p>Thanks, all. I think I will have to contact the schools, because the websites of most of them don’t address whether they’re need-blind.</p>
<p>Called one of the schools today, and the financial aid office said applying for aid is one of the factors they consider, even if it turns out you don’t qualify. I don’t get why it would matter if they decide you don’t qualify, but that’s what they said. I’m guessing it would only be in the case of an applicant on the margin, but who knows.</p>
<p>I think the websites of need-blind schools are going to tout that. If a website doesn’t address whether applying for aid impacts admission, I would suspect they aren’t need blind and don’t want to put that on their site.</p>