Is Need Blind Truly Need Blind at Ivies?

<p>There is a rumor going around the parents of my high school saying that some of the Ivies who claim they are need blind actually take financial aid into consideration when making decisions.</p>

<p>I think this is an absurd rumor because 1) I don't see why those prestigious universities have to lie to students, and 2) with so much money budgeted for financial aid, would they care if they have to give out $27,000 to attract a student? $30,000 is a measly sum considering the amount of money they have to give out every year.</p>

<p>I'm having a hard time convincing my parents though, so anymore thoughts and suggestions to cure those paranoid Asian conspiracist parents?</p>

<p>The ivies are need blind to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Some schools are need blind to citizens of Canada and Mexico. Very few HYP are need blind to international students, while the others are not. At most schools if you are not a citizen or permanent resident, unless otherwise specified, your need will be a factor in the admissions process.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that there is a BIG difference between need blind and meeting demonstrated need. Need blind only means that the school will not take the fact that you checked the box stating that you need FA into condiseration when making admissions decisions.</p>

<p>Meeting demonstrated need is a different story because schools may lookd differently at the way they calculate your EFC and how they package your aid.</p>

<p>Cost of attendance- EFC (parent & student) = Demonstrated need.
The school determines your EFC and it is not based on how much you feel you want to pay or what you think you can afford to pay. The EFC is based on the income and the assets of both your parents and some schools even include the income and assets of your step parents.</p>

<p>Your demonstrated need will be met as a combination of of grants and self help aid (work study and loans). Each school determines the amount of self help aid differently.</p>