<p>I was wondering if colleges will take into consideration when admitting that I have an EFC of 0 or will they only look at that after they admit me (I'm talking about the ivy leagues etc).</p>
<p>Yes, the top schools that are need-blind will consider your app without need consideration. </p>
<p>One group handles admissions and a separate group handles aid. So, the process may go on simultaneously, but the admissions people don’t know your need status.</p>
<p>Be aware that when you also apply to matches/safeties, that some are also “need-blind” but that doesn’t mean that they will meet your needs. Many state schools admit by stats - regardless of need. The aid process is separate, but may not be very generous.</p>
<p>Be aware that some schools meet 100% of need with big loans in their aid packages, and some meet 100% of need with small or no loans. Obviously, a big difference for you. :)</p>
<p>As an EFC 0 you need to strategize when choosing your matches/safeties otherwise you’ll end up with aid packages with big loans and/or gaps. </p>
<p>If you’re applying to ivies, then that suggests that you have very high stats. Be sure to apply to 1 or 2 financial safeties that will offer you huge merit (full tuition plus). You may never end up at those schools, but at least you’ll have the security of knowing that you at least have a couple of schools that you can afford to attend.</p>
<p>Well I have good stats minus my standardized test scores (28 on ACT). I just was wondering if they might consider my low income status with my application or if they are entirely separate?</p>
<p>I applied to the UC’s (in state-tutition), two schools I felt I was over-qualified for, so hopefully I will get merit aid, and the rest are 100% need met schools.</p>
<p>Yes, ivies will consider your app separately. It’s a different dept that looks at your income/need status.</p>
<p>Your chances at ivies are low, unless you’re a URM and/or from a disadvantaged area. An ACT 28 is not often high enough to be admitted to ivies.</p>
<p>What 2 schools did you apply to that you might get merit aid?</p>
<p>What non-ivies did you apply to? Do they meet 100% of need with loans or without??? Big difference!</p>
<p>Right now, I can’t think of an Ivy League school that uses loans to meet full need for low income students. Are there any? Perhaps someone can post this information.</p>
<p>The Ivies are need blind…which means they review your application without consideration of your income. If you are accepted, they also meet full financial need. BUT beware…this does not mean school will be “free”. Even most of the Ivies require a student contribution which can be met through summer employment or work during the school year.</p>
<p>Acceptances to Ivy League schools can “appear” rather random. There are students with very HIGH standardized test scores who do not get accepted and students with lower (not very low…but lower) standardized test scores who do get accepted. Good luck to you…and good that you have a well balanced list of colleges including in state schools where you feel confident you will be accepted.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>I don’t think any ivies do, but the OP has applied to several non-ivies and lesser schools, too. Since I don’t know what those schools are, I was just mentioning that some might meet 100% need, but may include loans.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/856504-chance-hispanic-black-na-ivys.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/856504-chance-hispanic-black-na-ivys.html</a>
</p>
<p>I applied to UCSB, UCSD, UCLA, UCB. I believe at the very least I can get into UCSB and if your parents make under 70,000 a year, you will be given free tuition. I think I can cover the rest of the costs for room and board.</p>
<p>I also applied to Northeastern/ LMU which I believe I will get into and hopefully some merit aid. </p>
<p>I applied to CMC because it meets 100% of needs (Claremont McKenna College has a competitive financial aid program partnered with a need-blind admission process. For the 2008-2009 academic year, 51% of students received financial assistance, with an average financial aid package of $37,450.).</p>
<p>I then applied to some of the ivy leagues, and ended up applying to Dartmouth because they have been contacting me for over a year and extended my deadline.</p>
<p>I feel I have covered my bases with schools that will be affordable. I was just wondering if colleges take into consideration the context of your accomplishments, obviously I don’t have the same opportunities as someone from a wealthier household.</p>
<p>Maybe consider Cornell? They have great financial aid packages with no loans if your parents income is below a certain amount. However, they do take some of the money you make during your summer internships. Not that much money though compared to the amount they will be giving you in grants.</p>
<p>It’s too late to apply to Cornell. It was getting quite expensive applying to so many schools for financial aid purposes. Thank you though :)!</p>
<p>Wowie, It looks like you have a thoughtful and well rounded list. Yes, those tippy top schools (reportedly) do look at your achievements relative to your ability to access them. In other words…a student who has distinguished themselves from a disadvantaged background is viewed positively. That doesn’t guarantee an acceptance but it’s a good thing!!</p>
<p>Please come back in the spring and let us all know where you are going to college. And good luck to you.</p>
<p>Thanks for agreeing. I heard so many things from people saying I applied to too many, but I really wanted to cover my bases. My dad somehow thinks I’m getting into everywhere, but I guess he doesn’t understand how competitive colleges are (He’s never attended college).</p>
<p>Anyways, I definitely will post where I get into and will end up going :). Ah, I’m so nervous for April to come!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Yes, do let us know where you’ll be going! </p>
<p>I don’t think you applied to too many schools considering how competitive the ivies are and how difficult it is to get into the top UCs.</p>
<p>I think LMU will offer you some good merit, although you’re not in their top 25%. However, I think they might want more URMs. :)</p>
<p>Good luck!!!</p>