<p>If I use a fee waiver, how will it affect my chance for admissions with non-needs-blinds schools? I mean, I know that it won't have a huge impact, but still, will they look upon this negatively since it basically means that you can't pay anything?</p>
<p>As far as I could tell, it did not affect my son’s chances any more than applying for aid did. For schools that are need blind, your FA status (and presumably, your waiver status) isn’t part of your app. For schools that are need-aware or need-sensitive, but not need-blind, they’re already going to know that you’re looking for financial aid. (Because if you can qualify for a fee waiver, you’re almost certainly also going to be applying for aid, too.)</p>
<p>For need aware schools, they will know the depth of your need anyway because they take need into consideration.</p>
<p>I guess that’s true. My parents were hesitant about using fee waivers, even though it would be extremely tough to pay. But thanks :)</p>
<p>I encourage you to use them. Why? Well, if you are in a situation where you’re going to need a lot aid (an EFC=0, for example), then you really need to apply to a range of schools, to ensure that you’ve got a lot of aid choices. Even if you’re only applying to 5-6 schools, that can still be more than $250 in fees, depending on the schools.</p>
<p>At schools that are need aware/need sensitive, the process usually kicks in toward the end of the cycle. It will mean when it comes to decision between 2 similiarly qualified students, the tip will go to the student who needs less of the school’s resources.</p>
<p>Your using a fee waiver is not going to matter much, because if the school is need blind/sensitive they are going to also look at your FA application. I agree with TrinSF, if you need to use the fee waiver, use it.</p>