<p>I've recently heard that applying for financial aid lowers your chances of getting accepted into said schools! Can some one shed some light on the matter please :)?</p>
<p>Which schools?</p>
<p>It might at some schools, but if you need the aid you have to apply for it, right? I mean, it's one of those things most people can't control, so it's not worth worrying about. </p>
<p>I guess if a student has parents who earn a modest income, and a wealthy grandparent who is willing to foot the college bill... well, then you might have to consider whether applying for aid based on the parents' modest income is worth the potiential diasadvantage in admissions when the student already knows s/he can afford to go thanks to the grandparent. But that's a pretty specialized situation. I think mostly people who need aid just have to apply and then see how it works out.</p>
<p>Some schools don't take financial need into consideration. Some that are very well-endowed and have a committment to not letting need disadvantage deserving students. Also of course public universities. Many privates, on the other hand, have to keep an eye on the financial stability of their institutions and don't have unlimited scholarship funds.</p>
<p>thnx 'rentof2.....this is a general question guys, any more help on this topic?</p>
<p>It's not as simple as that. As 'rentof2 says, it depends on the school. Most schools are need blind. But they do not guarantee to meet full need, and may not even come close to meeting it. THere are only a few schools that are need blind AND guarantee to meet full need. </p>
<p>To eliminate schools that are need aware is not always a good move because some of those schools will come up with great financial aid packages if they do accept you. Also most schools do not just look to see if you need financial aid; the amount you need can make a big difference. Someone with a zero EFC is a different story that someone who comes up with $5-10K need figure.</p>