Really worried about son’s application, so wanted to know if any mention of needing aid will ruin his chances.
In this connection, had a few other generic questions too about financial aid.
If he mentions in the common app that he does not need financial aid, does that automatically preclude him from getting ANY merit aid/grant/scholarship, etc? In other words, do I necessarily have to foot the full amount?
Looking at family finances, I am not really sure I can pay all 4 years. What if he has to apply for aid next year?
@parentind - Do yourself a favor and submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile. They will tell you what they can give you. You miss 100% of the shots you never take. It really doesn’t take that long to fill out the forms and they may give you enough money so you can afford all 4 years.
Drexel is need-aware and does not meet full need of all students. Applying for aid can lower his chances of admission, but I agree with Bob above. Yes, there is a chance your son may need to apply for aid in the future and not be granted enough to continue. It’s a risk at private schools not fortunate enough (re endowment) to be able to offer full-need aid.
While I belive Drexel is need aware saying you have need I don’t think significantly affects your chances. You should always fill out the FAFSA and CSS profile unless you want to pay the full rate which very few people do or have to.
Agree with the above. Also, aid is now available for people who make a fairly good income ( at least compared to my own, for example)-and the CSS provides enough information to allow the review to consider things like other siblings that are in school or may be soon, years to retirement, etc. So you may be surprised to find that your son gets more aid than you’d have thought he would. Merit, on the other hand, does not require that you request financial aid. It is usually dependent upon having grades, scores or other attributes that are viewed as desirable to the school-attributes that place the student above the typical student at the school.