<p>I know some schools are need-blind but for those that aren't, do adcoms use the fact that you're applying for FA against you if you are on the bubble when they are deliberating decisions? I had never really thought much of it--I probably won't be qualifying for need-based aid as my family has a middle-class income but I've been checking it off in all my apps anyway. Someone told me today that if you don't have that much demonstrated need and aren't the most exceptional candidate and see that you're looking for FA, their decision is affected negatively? Is there any truth to this?</p>
<p>Anyone...?</p>
<p>Unless you and your parents are made of money, you are probably going to need access to some kind of financial aid at some point during the four (or five or however many) years you spend in college. There are plenty of institutions that won't let you apply for financial aid if you suddenly need it later on if you haven't filed for it when you first apply for admission. Even if they do let you apply in later semesters/years, it is always easier if they have something on file. Check the YES box. File the financial aid papers. If a place doesn't let you in for that reason and that reason only, then you didn't want to go there anyway. </p>
<p>Now, go get your parents and sit down with them at the computer and have them run some of the FAFSA calculators. You can start with the one at FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans but there are plenty of other ones out there. After they see what the colleges and universities are going to believe that they are capable of paying you may need to pass around the smelling salts. Once they have recovered a bit, start that honest conversation about paying for college that you haven't had yet. You need to know where the money is going to come from. Your parents need to know that you understand and respect the fact that they have financial limits.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>
<p>^Thanks so much for all the info!!!</p>
<p>At need aware schools it does matter and you do have a better chance if you don't need aid. There are lots and lots of solidly upper middle class folks not made of money that will not qualify for a cent of aid. You and your parents need to evaluate where you stand and look at the aid policies of the schools you are applying to. If they are need aware and you don't qualify for aid and have the assets to suggest you won't in the next four years, it may be better to uncheck the box by calling the schools.</p>
<p>Even at top schools not applying for Financial Aid can help. Please don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. We took tour of all the top Schools and every admission officer was of the opinion that if your EFC comes out to be greater than $55000 then you are better off not applying for FA.</p>
<p>What if you do not check the box but once admitted apply for FA? Has anyone done that?</p>
<p>This is a topic probably better suited for the financial aid thread, but I will say that I have noticed that many website have moved to the top of their pages the links or info on current students applying for aid. I will admit I didn't realize that any school would not allow a contingent plan for unforeseen family challenges, so I checked it out -- JUST IN CASE!</p>
<p>"What if you do not check the box but once admitted apply for FA? Has anyone done that?"</p>
<p>Yes, and our D did in fact get a small amount of aid from NYU.</p>