<p>Are most schools now need-blind when it comes to admission? I have been told that most schools are need-blind now, so that a student's ability to pay their own way with little or no financial aid has no more of a chance than a student who would need a lot of financial aid. I would think that if a student has the ability to pay for their tuition with no FA than they would have a better chance at getting in, if most things are equal. Any one know the definitive answer?</p>
<p>No, most schools are not need blind. (Talking about private colleges, of course.) There are some that are need blind, but they tend to be the wealthiest schools, often highly ranked and selective in admissions.</p>
<p>So if a student can pay their own way, do you think that is a significant aspect of their application?</p>
<p>It is not that significant of an aspect, but it certainly offers a minor bump in favor of admission. But honestly, unless you are ridiculously wealthy, then apply for FA because most kids do.</p>
<p>It is a major plus not to need aid at most schools. Take the ivies and top LACs that are need blind, and state schools that don't care and what remains are schools that care whether or not you can pay.</p>
<p>There are 2 ways schools handle this though. Some accept on a need blind basis and just don't give the needed aid and others reject because they know the candidate can't pay.</p>
<p>Smartcookie, there are many schools where most kids do not apply for FA. Even take the ivies which are need blind, they average just a little more than half on aid. At many private LACs, considerably less than half are on aid. You don't need to be anywhere near very wealthy to not qualify for aid, just solidly upper middle class.</p>
<p>Some schools are need-blind until the aid budget is exhausted, then they can take only full list-price payers.</p>
<p>i think there are some schools that r need blind and some schools that r not need blind</p>