<p>I'm just curious but let's say 2 people with the same grades and everything apply to a highly selective college. One can pay for it fully while the other wants full financial aid. Is the college going to pick the person who is willing to pay over the one who applied for financial aid?</p>
<p>Not if the college has a need-blind policy (presuming neither candidates are international).</p>
<p>It depends on the school. Some are need blind, and some are need aware. If was a need aware school, they would choose the student that could pay more. If it was Harvard, that wouldn’t even be a part of the admissions decision.</p>