On the Common App, why do some colleges ask “do you intend to apply for need-based financial aid?”
Perhaps I don’t quite understand “need blind,” but when this question is asked, doesn’t it let the cat out of the bag to some extent?
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The answer to that question doesn’t tell the reader if the applicant has any need though, or if there is need, how much it is.
There are many other proxies for wealth/possible level of need…high school, zip code, parents’ jobs and degrees, to name a few.
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This question was asked by Northwestern, but there were others. I’m just wondering why ask this question at all. If need blind, why ask if someone intends to apply for financial aid? Are they trying to get a sense of the big picture? It must be a tricky business, even for large endowment funds earmarked for scholarships.
It’s even more complicated because they might suppress the answer to that question at least for the initial read. I have no answer for why need blind schools ask that question, because it doesn’t really tell them anything 
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Good point, the college admissions process is so darn murky! Most people have a clear answer to the question. I just wonder why they even ask.
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If a college is need blind, all that means is that admissions doesn’t know whether you have financial need and how much that need is….and they don’t use that when considering your offer of admission.
If a college is need blind, you can check the YES box and still not apply for need based aid. Actually…you can check that yes box and not apply for aid at any college.
At need aware schools, admissions might use your actual level of financial need when considering your application for admission.
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