<p>I applied to Brown as a transfer student. It says that it's on a need aware basis. Does that mean my chances are slimmer because I applied for financial aid? :s</p>
<p>It means if choosing between you and a similiarly qualified applicant, the school which look at how much aid each one of you needs. It is not so much applying for aid as many people do and should (for you should never eliminate yourself), but if colleges also allocate so much money in grant/scholarship aid. IF you applicant comes up toward the end, and they are close to filling their allocation, then the amount of need becomes an issue.</p>