Mimanchi

Hi,

Comparing Bates with other NESCAC members, Bates has among the lowest endowments. In view of this year's economic downturn, how would you think the need-sensitive factor weigh in the admission process?

Has Bates always struggled to admit students with high need?

I am getting concerned about this and I am thinking of sending a letter stating that if my financial need would hinder my admission, I would try my best to obtain financial aid from other sources. I'm not sure if this is a wise move.. please advise.

GreatGatsby

In comparison to such NESCAC schools like Middlebury, Bates is doing quite "okay" during the recession. I am not sure how that would affect your aid, though. Are you an international?

arcadia

Bates had much less to begin with (compared to the likes of Middlebury and Bowdoin), which also means they had less to lose.

Salvorix

Of course it will affect your shot at getting in, just as it will at pretty much any private college. For the most part though, I think that whether or not you are applying for FA will only effect you if you are on the cusp between being admitted or not. If you're a strong applicant, you should still get it, or so I hope!

Sending the letter sounds a bit unnecessary though - plus what happens if you decide to attend Bates w/ a small FA package and then end up not getting much FA from other sources? It's best not to accumulate debt in UG unless absolutely necessary if you're planning on attending graduate school, so just keep that in mind.

Good luck

cadence76

It's a good idea to be planning to look into other scholarship/aid sources no matter what--and there is a space on either/maybe both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA (financial aid documents that you'll be filling out!) that asks what other aid you're looking for. I don't think the letter is necessary--colleges EXPECT that those of us with financial need are looking everywhere we can--there's no "if" about it. It's another way to show that you're proactive. There are a lot of sources--look into QuestBridge, check out the financial aid threads here on CC for ideas, talk to your guidance department at your HS, etc.