Most colleges and universities are supposed to be need-blind, but from my friends’s experiences and the statistics, it feels like those who don’t apply for financial aide have a better chance of getting in. Is this likely, or are all colleges/unis truly need-blind?
There are definitely schools that are truly need-blind. For example, at some, the FA application goes directly to the FA Office, completely separate from Admissions.
All colleges are definitely not need blind
@OrchidBloom Really? Do you know of any specific schools that do that?
See the lists here:
[Wikipedia: Need-Blind Admission](Need-blind admission - Wikipedia)
In most cases, the financial aid application goes to the financial aid office. The admissions application goes to admissions.
BUT at need aware schools, the admissions office will know your level of financial need and that can factor into your admission decision.
At need blind schools, admissions makes their admissions decisions without knowing your financial need.
Are you applying as a US citizen/Permanent resident or international student?
While most schools are need blind to US citizens and Permanent residents, they are not need blind to international students.
And…do you need aid to attend? An acceptance without needed aid is worthless.
need blind does not equate with “meet need”.
Most private colleges outside the top 25/top 50 are “need aware”.
Most public universities are need blind and do not meet need.
If you are international, that’s an entirely different ballgame as all but 6 universities are need-aware for internationals.
Myos. Lots of need blind schools even for international students.
BUT there are only six that are both need blind and meet full need for all international students.
@sybbie719: Please check your PM; it’s urgent. Thank you.
There ARE many need blind school for int kids but only 6 meed full need guaranteed. There are some school that give generous amount close to full ride, but they are mostly combinations of merit+need based aids.