<p>If I indicate on the Common App that I am planning on applying for financial aid at a particular school, but then I don't apply for aid at said school, will that affect my chances for admission?</p>
<p>I asked this very same question to the Johns Hopkins Admssions Officer since my “S” is borderline in terms of admit criteria - figuring it might “help” if we were “full-pay”. The “Admissions” people say they are “Need Blind” to admission decisions. However, he admitted to me that when they send the admit list to FA for work-up packages - it all depends on the “budget” and aid available. If they have limited funds for the year - the Admissions Dept. re-reviews the list of “Borderline Admits” who require FA again to see if there are any “savings”.</p>
<p>It seems to me that if you are applying to a “private” school - i.e. 50-55K/yr and you are NOT in need of FA - how can they not view your application more favorable - especially if you are "borderline in terms of admission criteria.</p>
<p>2 yrs ago we had an above average student get accepted to Georgetown - the HS Counselor was very suprised! I was not! Her father was very wealthy and I’m sure she was a full-pay student.</p>
<p>I don’t any college will be straight foreward on this very political issue, but it all about the money after all.</p>
<p>I know - very cynical of me.</p>
<p>Probably. They might see it as indecisive/irresponsible.</p>