Not all colleges download that FA question into the files adcoms see. And even when they did, you’d see seemingly wealthy families checking the box. It doesn’t explain much.
The comment’s been made that, at many schools, where need-aware helps is kids on the borderline. That doesn’t mean it works wonders. It won’t help f your app never got you to finals or to waitlist.
@lr4550 , that box was on the CA last year too. Bates is like Carleton in terms of need blindness. The applicants on the cusp after the FA has run out will have an advantage.
Top schools have no lack of full pay students applying. If you keep up with admissions news the there is focus on attracting Pell students-that is the demographic that is lacking.
If it matters at all the OP has not been back since the thread was posted…
OP doesn’t want to go into the dragon’s den @happy1 
@planner03 , that’s a given here on CC. It’s been that way for a while and I can’t see it changing any time soon.
When I specifically asked Carleton, they said they are need-aware throughout the admission cycle, not just when the FA budget is depleted.