<p>This is something I have wondered. Andover, for example, is need blind, but does that mean they completely disregard financials.</p>
<p>I know the odds are stacked against me either way, but I've decided to apply. However, I feel like what's the point if I'm competing against kids who have prep classes, piano lessons, top sports programs, and parents who know how to navigate the system. </p>
<p>Oh, and I’m not trying to complain or act bitter. I’m just trying to be realistic. </p>
<p>Short answer: Yes, at least a few do.</p>
<p>FYI, this topic is currently being discussed on another recent thread:
<a href=“Economically disadvantaged kids and BS - Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums”>Economically disadvantaged kids and BS - Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums;
<p>A reminder to all to use the search tool…</p>
<p>Ah yes, thank you. Sorry about that. I’m new to this site.</p>
<p>No worries…my point about the search tool is targeted to pretty much everyone (myself included). There are ons of older threads that contain lots of great info that goes untapped. Remember that if you have a question about BS, there’s a chance that dozens of others have had a similar question.</p>
<p>Welcome to the forum and best of luck with your search/application process.</p>
<p>Hi Grace,</p>
<p>I did not get any private music lessons and ssat prep class. I just find out about the application process and did it. I got accepted to Andover, Choate, Milton and a few others so my advice is just go ahead and do your best</p>
<p>Schools are looking for different types of applicants- a private school student with great teachers and expensive extracurriculars would do well to hear the voice of a public school student getting free lunch and playing one sport and vice versa. It never hurts to try anything new. If you mean even after FA has been doled out, schools do have programs in place to allow disadvantaged students similar advantages, like small allowances, travel expenses, and new laptops. </p>
<p>The “need-blind” policy is interesting. What it means is that Andover’s budgeting experts and such people decide the amount of the endowment they will be using for FA. The admissions then gets to work deciding all applicants, while another private company sifts through those acceptances to decide on FA. Admissions never sees FA. It doesn’t mean you will get everything you need, as the stream will stop eventually, but your acceptance is not based on whether or not you receive FA.</p>
<p>Thank you for answering! It relieved my nerves a little. </p>