<p>These are very helpful responses; thanks to the op and the responders. </p>
<p>Here’s a slight tweak and more blunt version of the question, that may have appeared elsewhere:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Do self-labeled need blind colleges lie about their need blindedness? And if so, what signs and/or data would reveal it?</p></li>
<li><p>Students in my D’s public school are told, point blank, to avoid filing for financial aid unless it’s absolutely necessary, because doing so will lead to rejection. We live in a small state with undistinguished public universities. Seems like bad advice to me. Is it?</p></li>
<li><p>How might you communicate the following: “I may not look rich to you, but if you accept me, my parents and I will figure out a way to pay for your school.” Not saying that’s a good idea, or necessary. But is it even possible?</p></li>
</ol>