<p>Does it really hurt? I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m pretty sure almost everybody checks that box that says they will apply for need-based aid. So how can it really hurt that much?</p>
<p>Most colleges will actually say that it will not hurt. So no, it will not hurt</p>
<p>It depends on if the college is need-aware or need-blind for admissions.</p>
<p>[Colleges</a> Where Need for Aid Can Hurt Admission Odds - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/03/23/colleges-where-need-for-aid-can-hurt-admission-odds.html]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/03/23/colleges-where-need-for-aid-can-hurt-admission-odds.html)</p>