<p>Each year, Harvard’s admissions office is given a budget for financial aid – and they must stick to that budget. For example, if the admissions office were to select the “best” 1600 applicants regardless of their ability to pay – and ALL 1600 of them required financial need, Harvard could not afford to enroll every student. Here’s the ugly truth about college admissions: For every student requiring need, there are one or two students who pay full-fare. So – for Harvard, and any other college for that matter – your chances of being a “clear admit” are better if you do not need financial assistance – which obscures the overall picture of an applicant’s chance.</p>