<p>Much of what cptofthehouse is applicable also to “need blind” schools in that they might admit you but won’t award you the amount of financial aid your parents expect them to provide. US colleges tend to be formula-based when determining need-based financial aid. They’ll run info about your parents’ assets and income through a formula and decide how much they should be contributing to your education. If the cost of the school is $60,000/year and the school’s formula says that your parents can contribute $30,000/year, then your aid will be limited to $30,000 and you or your parents will be expected to come up with another $15,000 regardless of your parents’ wishes.</p>