<p>Okay, I was wondering if schools favor applicants that don't need financial aid and may be possible donors in the future. If so how heavily do you think they weigh it. I'm talking especially about schools like Exeter and St. Paul's that have a huge endowment.</p>
<p>They do and it does help you, though I don't know how much they weigh it. If you donate tons of money NOW, like thousands and thousands of dollars, they WILL except you. That is why many rich children are able to get into boarding school, even if they are not as qualified as many lower city kids.</p>
<p>I don't think it is possible to buy one's way in.</p>
<p>I think one or two people at my current private school have bought their way in (well, she did and then left because she couldn't handle the work, dyslexia)</p>
<p>Except that Charpmike was inquiring about Exeter and St Paul's. Surely you can't offer money to get in there?!?!</p>
<p>I am pretty sure you can................President Bush's family did... I forget if it was for Exeter or Phillips. I am not saying anything against the president, I completley respect him for controlling a country that is at war, and that is having an economic crisis. Also, since he is the figure head of the governement, he gets all the crap for it, though he does not control the government: its called a democracy, lol.</p>
<p>It was Andover, and that was more related to legacy than to money. It was stated that "if you donate money NOW, like thousands and thousands of dollars, they will except (accept) you." I am skeptical about that and further, if it were true, people applying would be writing checks rather than padding applications with ec's etc.</p>
<p>i think that it may increase your chances of getting accepted...
it depends on how much money you give them though... (i think, i don't know... my parents have given money...)</p>
<p>Wow, it seems like a donation from an applicant's family would be fairly transparent....and NOT help.</p>
<p>I think the OP was asking if not needing FA puts you at an advantage (since only families that can pay tuition would be in a position to make substantial annual drive contributions). I'd say that that would give one an advantage, regardless of what the standard line is. C'mon, they've got to keep the doors open with kids who bring dollars along with their talents.</p>
<p>St. Paul's School & Phillips Exeter Academy will accept any student regardless of ability to pay or to donate. Only about a third (30% to 33%) of the student body at SPS receives financial aid, so it is a fair assumption that those able to pay their way are competing for more slots; but that does not necessarily mean better odds since fewer candidates may apply for financial aid. St. Paul's School is the quintessential "old money" school of the elite New England prep boarding schools. Donations may help, but the amount necessary would be substantial & the student would still need to be well qualified. This is, however, only my opinion & a best guess as I am not affiliated with either school.</p>
<p>In my opinion if my parents donate 5,000 to a school and I'm a qualified student, I expect to be picked up from my house. Drove to the airport, and then flown to Concord lol. But seriously, you need to donate some biig mooney, and if you CAN donate big money your parents are probably known. Which will get you into the school anyway without the donation, just the fact that there will probably be a donation.</p>
<p>yea... we're talking like 5-6 digit figures...</p>
<p>there has been A LOT of donations to exeter and andover. you can tell by their endownment........</p>
<p>uhh.... thousands? Try millions. or at least hundred thousands.</p>
<p>I heard something like 75-80% of students are applying for financial aid. About 50 percent of those applicant absolutely need it...</p>
<p>Despite their large endowments, prestigious schools have a strict and often small operating budget. Many schools like SPS ect. are not need blind, and applying for aid can be detrimental.</p>
<p>Benevolent, that 75 to 80% makes sense, since about 94 to 96% percent of US families cannot afford the yearly 40K. So even at that level, financial aid applicants are underrepresented in the applicant pool.</p>
<p>Donating money may help, if it's like millions... Exeter's endowment is HUGE, $5000 is probably like a penny to their endowment. Besides, if you did donate money but didn't have a legacy (as in, no one ever attended there in your family yet, you are just randomly donating to this school that your kid HAPPENS to be applying to) then I'm pretty sure the admissions officers would be able to see right through that, and it would tell a lot about your character. Besides, if someone's really not a qualified applicant, they aren't going to get in no matter the sum, especially in the top tier schools (HADES). At some point, it just isn't fair to the kid if you're accepting them knowing already that they're going to have a reeeally hard time succeeding at the school because they shouldn'tve got in in the first place.</p>
<p>does that mean that it makes it "harder" for FA students to get accepted, because even at Exeter, only half the kids are on FA.</p>
<p>wait! no! i haven't! sorry, typo... heehee
that was a major one too!</p>
<p>I am very fortunate.</p>
<p>My sister attends a BS at the cost of around 45K per year. She is not on any FA. I am also applying to BS and I do not need any FA.</p>
<p>So that is what? 90K a year for both of us. I am still able to take European Vacations a few times a year. My dad always donates some cash to my sister's BS during the holiday season. </p>
<p>I am so very fortunate to be able to afford such an expensive yet incredible academic experience.</p>