How is this possible?!

Applying to College
1

<p>*This took place a year ago</p>

<p>So this wealthy student got accepted to some of these schools: HYPS. Her family income was quite high and exceeded the threshold for almost any financial aid. So when she applied she did not ask for any financial aid(she believed that this would help her with admissions). So when she was accepted, after a couple of months, it turns out that even after she applied with requesting 0 financial aid, she still got a FULL RIDE. Her family has to contribute nothing. I am absolutely sure that she applied claiming that she does not need financial aid(once again, very wealthy family) and then after accepted, she gets a full ride?</p>

<p>To clarify, I know that when she was accepted, she was accepted on the basis that she would need 0 financial aid. Then something occurred after in which the university that she matriculated to (either HYPS) gave her a full ride?</p>

<p>*I also know another applicant who got a full ride through a scholarship program, but she owns 2 BMW’s… and he’s like only 18. His father works/lives in another country. Is this why??</p>

<p>So am I missing out on something, or is there a big flaw in this financial aid process? Do they always make such big mistakes?</p>

2

<p>Case #1 - HYPS only award need-based aid, but they can be very generous in their definition of who has need if they really, really want the student. Only the people at that particular institution would know why they wanted this student, and how they came to determine that she qualified for a full-ride.</p>

<p>Case #1 - If the scholarship is merit-based, rather than need-based, anyone who qualifies for it can get it. Even if their dad were Bill Gates.</p>

<p>Do not waste any more of your time and energy with this. The actions of others are often completely inexplicable to us.</p>

3

<p>Some people who appear wealthy only appear so because they spend money out the wazzoo, but are, in fact, in need of financial aid. But of course, for appearances’ sake, they would never publicly admit that. In my affluent town, I personally know that many people who seem to literally be millionaires have nothing in the bank and are hoping for financial aid. Everyone else in town thinks these families are full-pay.</p>