<p>I have my suspicions about those need blind schools…it just doesn’t make sense to me that Exeter, which is not need blind, and Andover, which is, give out the same amount of aid (actually, I think Exeter’s is a bit higher). How is it that need blind schools end up with 50 percent full-pay students? I suspect that there are other filters in place in the admissions process that ensure that a large number of admits are FP, not FA. </p>
<p>However, while it is harder to get into any school if you need lots of FA, it’s not impossible. It is crucial, though, that you pick your schools carefully. Look for schools where you see not just a good, but a great fit. Again, this is best figured out by looking at LOTS of websites and viewbooks, rather than asking for opinions here, because the school that’s perfect for one kid on this board is going to be a nightmare for another. In the end, whether the school wants you matters more than the size of its endowment.</p>
<p>Hi everyone - thanks a lot for the suggestions! St. Andrew’s is actually one of my favorite schools so far, and the fact that it is need-blind makes me like the school even more However, classicalmama’s comment (“I suspect that there are other filters in place in the admissions process that ensure that a large number of admits are FP, not FA”), makes me wonder whether there really is a difference between those schools that are need-blind and those that aren’t.</p>
<p>@futureboarder,
From what I know, there is a difference between need-blind schools and need-aware schools, but a relatively small one. I know that Andover is in practice not need-blind. Only about 40% of their students are on FA, yet I remember reading in the Phillipian that 2/3 of their applicants applied for FA. Just some basic math here can show us that they have a lower acceptance rate for FA applicants, effectively making them need-aware. </p>
<p>However, despite all of my suspicions regarding need-blind schools, you should definitely apply. The experience of applying to boarding schools is extremely rewarding, and who knows? You could get in. It’s not impossible to get into a good boarding school with FA. Plenty of people have, and continue to do so. Just look at the Master List of Acceptances. Good luck!</p>
<p>@futureboarder,
From what I know, there is a difference between need-blind schools and need-aware schools, but a relatively small one. I know that Andover is in practice not need-blind. Only about 40% of their students are on FA, yet I remember reading in the Phillipian that 2/3 of their applicants applied for FA. Just some basic math here can show us that they have a lower acceptance rate for FA applicants, effectively making them need-aware. </p>
<p>However, despite all of my suspicions regarding need-blind schools, you should definitely apply. The experience of applying to boarding schools is extremely rewarding, and who knows? You could get in. It’s not impossible to get into a good boarding school with FA. Plenty of people have, and continue to do so. Just look at the Master List of Acceptances. Good luck!</p>
<p>i think that it’s very possible that even though 2/3 of their applicants applied for FA, only 40 percent received it. some families probably applied who didn’t qualify for it, and i think that people who don’t apply for FA generally have better resources ($$$, parents who drive them around, better school environment -> more motivation). all of the above contribute to ~<em>~better~</em>~ extra-curriculars because really, how many FA kids can afford to be a competitive equestrian or travel hockey player or ballerina since the age of 2? </p>
<p>more money = generally better resources = generally better ECs (longer/more expensive) = generally better schools in affluent areas
another factor is legacies + families who contribute lots of money and these families usually aren’t FA
of course, there are tons of exceptions! i’m speaking in terms of a whole, but i know so many incredible FA kids who’ve made it happen, as well as FP kids who’ve had to work on their own.</p>
<p>i think being need-blind kind of does mean something, but it can definitely be minor. after all, if other top schools (ie exeter deerfield SPS yadda yadda) want you, they definitely have the resources to take you.</p>
<p>@DiveAlive: You said all the right things! I’m a bit suprised as I remember you are a student (right?) You know so much about the BS application process and have shown you are a good thinker too. In those few words, you have done a better job in explaning the topic than some parents who have been in this for a while can. Bravo!</p>
However, classicalmama’s comment (“I suspect that there are other filters in place in the admissions process that ensure that a large number of admits are FP, not FA”), makes me wonder whether there really is a difference between those schools that are need-blind and those that aren’t.</p>