<p>I've heard from many students' experiences here on CC that it's easier to get into ED if financial aid isn't asked for in schools that are need-aware for international students. I was wondering if it's possible to not ask for financial aid the first year, to increase my chances, and then apply for it the next three years? Thanks!</p>
<p>Usually NOT. You will need to check the policies of the schools…but most of these generous schools will not allow you to APPLY for INSTITUTIONAL AID in subsequent years if you don’t apply as an incoming freshman.</p>
<p>The reason is exactly what you have posted…they aren’t in the position of having a student finance their education for ONE year and then the school has to come up with a ton of aid for three subsequent years.</p>
<p>*I was wondering if it’s possible to not ask for financial aid the first year, to increase my chances, and then apply for it the next three years? Thanks! *</p>
<p>Gee, that sounds honest…not.</p>
<p>Schools are on to that game, which is why many won’t give aid for the later years unless a major change occurs…like death of the family breadwinner.</p>
<p>The school POLICY at those full need schools is that students must APPLY for aid as incoming freshmen or they can’t apply for institutional aid in subsequent years. Even if a student doesn’t NEED that aid…they should still apply if they are attending such a school. In the event of some emergency…they will have done the right thing.</p>
<p>To the OP…schools don’t want to have you game their system. When these need aware schools award you (as an international student) need based aid, they are making a commitment to do so for the four years…if you are accepted and show demonstrated need. They are not in the business (and yes…it’s a business) of accepting a student who can pay for ONE year only…thus leaving the school to fund the remaining three years…thus the policy for applying as an incoming freshman.</p>