<p>Prairie: Nothing happened that hasn’t previously happened. Even in past years, the Reed website and their FA office was clear that they’re not need-blind, they’re need aware. Parents and applying students were repeatedly told (I think we heard this about 5 times) that when they get to the lower end of the admission pool, so to speak, and they’re looking at two similar candidates, the one without the aid need would be more likely to be admitted. What happened that was different this year was that they were interviewed about the process, and it made it into a big NYT article, and the rest is history. </p>
<p>Students who are strong candidates for Reed get admitted and get their need met. Students who are squeaking in are scrutinized financially. This is absolutely no different that many (probably MOST) LACS. The difference is that Reed is <em>honest</em> about it. I think that kind of honesty <em>is</em> caring, much more so than pretending that it’s not a factor.</p>