Quick question on financial aid

<p>Hey everyone, I'm your normal high school student but I attend an independent school...not trying to sound sweet or anything, but my parents financial situation is fine and my father told me that wherever I go I won't need to apply for financial aid. So the only issue is getting accepted.</p>

<p>My question...is it easier to be admitted to a school if you don't apply for financial aid? If not, should I apply for financial aid anyway?</p>

<p>It is indeed easier to get admitted to some schools if you don’t need financial aid. But do make SURE you don’t need it; if you end up needing financial aid and didn’t apply for it, you’re going to have problems.</p>

<p>Agreed with amarkov, definitely confirm with your parents that they are fine with shelling out/getting loans totaling up to ~$200,000 for undergrad (if we’re talking the big private schools like HYPSM). Some older folks don’t know the current price tags of colleges, as most are significantly higher from where they were eons ago.</p>

<p>I would advise, personally, if you truly do not need FA, to not apply for it at need-aware schools but go ahead and apply for it at need-blinds. For the latter, it will have no effect on your decision, but you would have access to it should you need it in the future. Of course, FA forms and all take a fair bit of effort, so I suppose it’s up to you and your parents on whether it is really warranted. I have a hard time fathoming not needing/applying for FA, personally, so I guess I err on the safe side.</p>

<p>Good luck in either case.</p>

<p>Thanks guys! I will talk to my parents…but they aren’t out of the loop or anything and I’m pretty sure they have a good idea of how much colleges cost. But yeah I doubt I could get into any of those schools mentioned, but wherever I go it will be expensive none the less.</p>

<p>there’s no reason to go to an expensive school just because you can: you may find the best atmosphere is at your state university.</p>