<p>I know that applying for Need-based Aid will decrease my chance of getting in at most colleges (I'm an international so its worse)
but I want to know if it holds the same for merit-based financial aid</p>
<p>Do colleges just choose to award less money to those who are not as attractive an applicant
or do they choose not to accept them at all?</p>
<p>Does applying for merit aid decrease chances of getting in?</p>
<p>If the school is NOT need blind for admissions, your ability to pay will be considered when your application for admission is considered. </p>
<p>If the school chooses to give you merit aid, you will get it if you get accepted.</p>
<p>Unlocked, you need to know the process for international students applying to colleges in the US. To study in the US, a student must prove that s/he has the funds to do so. I do not know if any colleges require this information from international students upon application even if they are not applying for financial aid.</p>
<p>Many merit awards are distributed without regard to need. The question is whether a given school gives internationals the same consideration as US students for their awards. If they do, then it is not an issue. </p>
<p>The purpose of a merit award is to attract a student the school wants to come there. So if you are a student who they want to give the award, of course, it isn’t going to matter that you applied. Those students who meet the eligibility for merit money are usually at the top of the applicant pool and the school very much wants these students. That’s why they are paying them to come. </p>
<p>The issue for you is whether a school allows international students equal or any access to merit money.</p>