<p>There was another discussion on the same topic here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/769387-harvard-other-ivies-really-need-blind.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/769387-harvard-other-ivies-really-need-blind.html</a></p>
<p>Schools that claim to be need blind generally have endowment large enough that they can comfortably accomodate the financial needs of its students. </p>
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<p>On the contrary, being low income or having overcome obstacles as a result of one’s family’s financial circumstances may occasionally bring a slight advantage if you are applying to highly selective schools with huge financial endowment: these schools actually look for low income student to add diversity to its student body.</p>
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<p>Wait, I thought the OP was talking about putting down $0 for income, not EFC :o. The latter is determined by the federal government, exactly as you said. And it is in fact possible to be paying less than your EFC, though I’m sure that is very rare.</p>