<p>What is the general consensus regarding the impact that asking for aid has on acceptance? I heard that since colleges are so tight on money they are more likely to accept a student whom they don’t have to pay for.</p>
<p>Well…truthfully, most admissions offices have no idea how much aid you are requesting…they don’t see your financial aid application.</p>
<p>Also, if you NEED financial aid, what good would an acceptance be if you don’t get it?</p>
<p>The “edge” for being a full pay student is marginal. If you are not in the ball park for acceptance, you likely are not going to get accepted just because you can pay the full price.</p>
<p>Most schools do NOT meet full need anyway…so they can “accept” you without providing the aid you need anyway.</p>
<p>I say…if you need the aid, check the YES box.</p>
<p>Thanks. If you don’t apply for aid, does that exclude you from merit scholarships from the school?</p>
<p>In most cases, no. If the school requires that FAFSA or another document be filed for merit aid then they will state that on their website.</p>
<p>* I heard that since colleges are so tight on money they are more likely to accept a student whom they don’t have to pay for. *</p>
<p>Most schools do not “pay for” students. </p>
<p>Most schools only have federal aid to give (which isn’t much) and/or state aid so the school itself isn’t paying for these students at all. Therefore, such schools don’t care if you have need or not. Most of these schools can’t meet need and will gap students with funding. </p>
<p>There are some schools that huge endowments so they can accept who they want regardless of need.</p>
<p>There are a few schools that meet need, but they have limited funds, so they are “need aware”.</p>
<p>The rest of the schools (which are the majority of schools) don’t have much to give, they are “need blind,” and will gap.</p>
<p>RE: Merit…
Most schools that give merit do not require you to apply for aid. Check websites to determine if your schools do. </p>
<p>If you want merit, look for the schools that give good amounts of merit AND where your child’s stats are well within the top 25% of the school. </p>
<p>Some merit is competitive so you may or may not get an award. Some schools give ASSURED merit, so if you have the stats and apply by the scholarship deadline, you get the award.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for everyone’s input. I don’t think we’d qualify for federal aid, but it would be nice to get some of the merit awards.</p>