<p>Quote from post #7: "I'd like to hear more about this issue too. I'd specifically like to hear about colleges that claim to be need-blind, meeting 100 percent of demonstrated need (there appear to be maybe two dozen colleges that make that claim) and to get a reality check on whether those colleges offer aid that is practical for you."/quote</p>
<p>I have a suspicion that some of the "need-blind" schools may be peeking. In our financial aid app to 2 Ivy and 1 top tier LAC, I included information under "special circumstances" documenting recent changes to our family's financial situation that have drastically cut our income and increased medical expenses. Child got rejected from all 3. One other Ivy and 2 top tier schools did not get this information, and child was accepted at all 3. Coincidence? Perhaps. But if I was doing it over again, I'd hold back the special circumstances info until after April 1.</p>