<p>If according to schools' net price calculators a family won't be eligible for need aid, is it still worth a try? Or will it just make the student less likely to be admitted (with no benefit)? DS is only applying to colleges that may award him merit money. But merit money is not certain, of course. He has a financial safety, which is a less desirable fit. Except for the safety, paying full price is not doable. I am torn on advising DS whether he should check that box Yes or No. Does anyone have an experience to share? Anyone else pondering the same question?</p>
<p>Anyone have any thoughts?</p>
<p>Most schools are need-blind, which means they do not consider whether or not you’re applying for financial aid when they decide whether or not to admit you. So check the schools she’s applying to; if they’re need-blind, there’s no reason not to check the box.</p>
<p>Even if he doesn’t check the box he can still file the FAFSA for a Stafford loan. You just need to let the FA office know so they can pull it in for their approval.</p>
<p>I’d check the FA box, but apply to extra numbers of colleges. You want to have a broad range of choices available May 1, so you can compare net prices. </p>
<p>Some of the colleges that are need-aware in admissions are probably most concerned about accepting too many students who will need full rides in order to attend. </p>
<p>Most non-Ivy level private colleges assume that most students will need to be offered some sort merit or need aid in order to be convinced to attend. Many private colleges are perfectly happy accepting hundreds of students who need or expect $5k or $10K of aid to reduce the sticker price, but they can’t afford many students who can’t afford to pay any tuition, and who need to use all of their Pell grants and loans just to pay room and board.</p>
<p>Can you provide the data to support the claim that “most schools are need blind”? I haven’t seen anything that provides a comprehensive statistical breakdown for that.</p>
<p>Nationwide, most institutions are need blind. Likewise, nationwide most institutions don’t have much money to hand out other than federal money. You get in (or not) and if you can pay with that bit of federal money, you can attend. If not, oh well, too bad.</p>
<p>Most colleges in the US accept most of their students before the fafsa or other financial aid forms are submitted to them. Some colleges may make an effort to guess the income of applicants based upon zip codes etc. Some colleges market themselves mainly in higher income areas and at higher income schools.</p>
<p>To start with all public Us are need blind.</p>
<p>All public schools are need blind? Not really:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/education/21admissions.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/education/21admissions.html</a></p>