<p>Hey, I'm now so confused about FA stuff.
Can anybody explain all those need-blind, need-based, need-aware,
case-by-case aid? I know what merit-aid is, I get confused w/ others.
And, is it really 'disadvantage' to apply for aid?
Help me <em>sigh</em>. I don't know whether I have to apply for aid or not.</p>
<p>BTW, I am applying for Swarthmore, Vandy, Was U, Rice, Grinnell and others.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't know about Swarthmore, Vandy's, WashUStL's, Rice's and Grinnell's intel aid situation.</p>
<p>Need-blind: The colleges will not look at whether or not you requested aid when you apply to the college. They will accept/reject you based purely on your application. Beware, though, some schools are need-blind to American citizens/PR's, but NOT to internationals. However, Yale and Williams are examples of school that are need-blind to intels. There are few and few of these schools.</p>
<p>Need-aware: These schools will consider how much aid you need when they decide whether or not to accept you. They might reject an outstanding student because they cannot pay a large percentage of the fees. These schools often have little money to offer to intels, so they usually give moeny to the best of the best. Northwestern is an example.</p>
<p>Need-based: I THINK this refers to the type of aid you get. Need-based aid is given based on how much your parents can contribute and how much you need in order to attend the school, if accepted. Mind you, the schools usually can't guarantee 100% aid met. </p>
<p>If a school offers only inte'l merit-based aid, it is usually given with the expectation that YOU can pay for yourself.</p>
<p>As for whether you'd be at an disadvantage if you apply for aid, it's hard to say. It's usually on an individual school basis. You might want to check out their website, see how many intel students receive aid (see if they differentiate between merit and need) and what is the average.</p>
<p>G'luck.</p>
<p>Thank you very much!
What I really wanted to know was about need-based aid!
Thanks:)</p>
<p>Many schools are not need-blind for internationals or provide little if any need-based aid.</p>