<p>In one of swarthmore FA pdfs, it reads "Your academic credentials and personal accomplishments influence the Colleges admission decision but do not affect our financial aid decision. Our aid is offered to students only on the basis of their demonstrated financial need." but I also read that "Foreign national students who request our financial aid assistance will be reviewed in the most competitive pool for which the rate of admission is about 1 in 21." </p>
<p>So, for example, if a student A is more desperately in need of financial aid than student B who also applied for financial aid but has stronger academics and extracurricular, student A has a better chance of acceptance than student B? </p>
<p>Is it merit based or need based? and if it is need based, does a student requesting more funds has a higher chance of getting in?</p>
<p>Financial aid awards are purely based on need, though whether or not you are accepted depends on merit (and need in the case of an international student).</p>
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I don’t think there’s a clear-cut answer. Sure, if there were two identical foreign applicants and one required more financial aid, then the applicant with less need would probably get accepted. But that doesn’t actually happen in reality.</p>
<p>In reality, admission decisions are much more complex. Swarthmore seeks to admit a student body that’s diverse in geographic origin, academic goals and extra-curricular engagement. A lot of your personal “chances” will depend on luck: What other applicants will apply to Swarthmore from your country this year? How many other applicants have similar interests and accomplishments?</p>