<p>I'm an international students whose parents probably make somewhere between $300 000-400 000, so I guess my chances of receiving aid would be slim. However, considering that Harvard is need-blind, there shouldn't be any drawbacks to at least pursue aid, right?</p>
<p>Harvard’s Financial Aid is “Need Blind” for both international and US students – that means there is a firewall between the Admissions Office and the Financial Aid Office. Applications are considered without regard to the student’s ability to pay. So, indicating that you are applying for financial aid has no bearing whatsoever on whether you are accepted, deferred or rejected. (That’s not true for other colleges, but let’s keep the discussion focused on Harvard.)</p>
<p>That said, the upper limit for Harvard’s financial aid is about $150,000 depending upon circumstances (second child in college, care of an elderly relative etc). So, with family income of between $300,000 to $400,000, you would not qualify for any financial aid. </p>