<p>Let's assume that a more affluent student was competing with a middle class or poor student, and both students have relatively similar admission parameters (test scores, GPA, ECs, etc).</p>
<p>If the affluent student requires absolutely no financial aid, and s/he applies to a college, would the school be more likely to admit that student? Or, would they be less likely to admit him/her because the student comes from an affluent family? Are more affluent students required to have higher admission parameters than a poor/middle class student in order to be admitted in this scenario? </p>
<p>I would imagine that it would be more convenient for a college to admit someone who could already afford tuiton costs - but then again, I'm not exactly an expert in placing myself within that perspective. </p>
<p>Any theories or explanations on my question would be appreciated. </p>
<p>Need-blind schools are supposed to disregard financial situations when deciding admission--that is, they'll make their decision regardless of financial need.
However, your theory's not entirely faulty. Some schools are not need-blind, meaning students who can pay get an advantage in the admissions office. I also hear that when schools are taking students off of waitlists, they're more likely to admit students who don't require aid.</p>
<p>One question though: is it possible to classify a school as "need-blind" or not? Or is that just an inference? (I'm quite new to this whole process: I've never even heard of that term!).</p>
<p>EDIT: Nevermind, I just discovered the answer for myself. :)</p>
<p>I'm a cynical person and would say that even though schools say they're need blind, they aren't. But hey don't listen to me, I'm a pessimist and cynic. But c'mon, who wouldn't want more money?</p>
<p>I also have a sense that there are ways to get around "need-blind" admissions. Colleges who are need-blind are supposed to separate your financial information from your application and process them separately, so they aren't able to take your financial situation into consideration. Of course, if these colleges see you attend an exclusive private school or see that your parents are both doctors with degrees from Harvard Med School, they can probably surmise that you're financially comfortable.</p>
<p>I know many websites like US News (as well as colleges themselves) publish what percentage of students are on financial aid scholarships and how large the average aid package is. Schools probably feel pressured to keep these numbers high, since they're on public display. </p>
<p>With that said, I would not be able to attend college in the fall if it wasn't for a very generous financial aid scholarship. :) The same holds true for some people I go to school with. </p>
<p>You may find that top colleges are full of affluent students for the simple reason that many students of a lower income aren't even inclined to apply to those schools. I come from a very middle-class area, and those who don't go to community college typically attend local public schools. Even though financial aid is out there, many people are happy to go through college with as little financial stress as possible.</p>