<p>"then I'm wondering how you resolve the mystery of my financially challenged and test-flubbing daughter's admission to all those reach colleges last year."</p>
<p>What percentage of students at your d.'s school are recruited athletes, or play varsity sports? What percentage of students at your d's school are "developmental admits"? What percentage of students at your d's schools are the daughters of senators, congresspeople, or ambassadors? What percentage of students at your d's school pay full freight? Sorry, but I don't see any mystery at all. </p>
<p>"Are they saying they know your financial status but will somehow disregard it when making decisions?"</p>
<p>Neither. In fact, by definition, every school that admits Questbridge applicants knows the financial status of the applicant, and what it will cost the school to admit them. Every school that attempts to increase the number of low-income admits knows their financial status. Similarly with developmental admits. In these cases, we know with 100% certainty that not only are the schools NOT need-blind, but that they make use of the information in admissions.</p>
<p>As for the rest, it is absolutely amazing how schools end up with a percentage of students needing financial aid being virtually the same year upon year upon year. It would take a statistical miracle for this to happen in a need-blind situation.</p>
<p>And, if I were a school Pres, I wouldn't want it any other way.</p>
<p>Recruited athletics is NOT just another hook. A school can do without another mezzo with a lovely voice; it cannot do without a quarterback. And the same holds true for major donors.</p>