<p>I've been hearing some horror stories of people not getting into their top choice (for instance, Chicago) because they applied for financial aid. Well, we'll never know since UC claims "need-blind" admissions, but they may have peeked.</p>
<p>So my question, as the thread title states, is should I apply for financial aid at my STRETCHES? I mean, sure, I will apply for financial aid at the schools that I think I have a good shot at and I don't think it'll matter. But some of the bigger ones, like Chicago/Columbia/Brown/Cornell - I'd rather get to actually GO to the school and pay interest to a private lender than be rejected because I requested assistance.</p>
<p>I'm actually struggling with that decision as well (Brown), however, I though Columbia, Cornell, and perhaps Chicago all meet 100% need? Regardless, I couldn't ask my parents to finance a school like Brown, and surely don't want to be knee-deep in debt, so I'll probably opt for applying for aid. Does it hurt my chances? Probably. Still, if they truly want me then they'll show me some love =P</p>
<p>By the way, where in Texas are you? I'm very excited about transferring out of this state lol.</p>
<p>I think for Brown, since they are only taking 60 or so transfers no into their class, financial aid should not be as big of a deal for them. Before, when they had 200+ students, they were forced to make a little money stretch a long way and that made them have to be stingy with it; I read on here some people who received awesome aid from Brown this year.</p>
<p>twenty8: i live in houston...others from this city have had different experiences, but i stand by my assertion that it is the armpit of texas. It's wayyyy hot down here. Since we lost our only theme park, there's not too much to do. I was contemplating Rice, which would actually be perfect if it wasn't located where it is. Too bad.</p>
<p>forgiven: go ahead and transfer to UT san antonio. from Umich. HAHAHA! The Riverwalk is pretty cool though.</p>
<p>Timberland: 60! Where'd you hear that? That sucks...I'd rather 200+ transfer students with limited aid so I have a better chance. Please elaborate.</p>
<p>I faced the same dilemma. I ended up applying for financial aid at ND. I was also accepted and received a great package. I'm glad the Catholics aren't lying about being need-blind.</p>
<p>lol yes since you're here NDFreak...I'm looking into Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Beautiful school, academics look great, but I'm not Catholic. In fact, I am somewhat liberal (although that definition certainly differs from region to region, considering I'm in Texas). Have you heard/seen an overwhelming Catholic/conservative presence at ND?</p>
<p>yeah so for columbia and brown I won't be applying for financial aid. I'll get external aid. You don't have to fill out any forms other than FAFSA right...I mean, do you have to indicate to the college that you'd be getting external aid or is that your personal business and they just want to get paid somehow?</p>
<p>I think there's a box on the application where you check off whether or not you'll need financial assistance. Otherwise, I don't think they care where the money comes from, but I could definetly be wrong.</p>