<p>In many cases, schools in this category will fund the students that they really want, and admit but not fund those students that are nearer the bottom of those admitted. So yes, you can get into this kind of place on your merits, but not receive any aid at all even though you have demonstrated need. And, normally if there is no aid the first year, there won’t be any in following years. This practice is called “Admit-Deny”.</p>
<p>If money is an issue for your family, and your daughter has good stats, she needs to “cast a wide net” in order to optimize her possibilities next spring.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>