2 answers
Kate
Student
Westland, Michigan
4
Questions
Updated
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Does needing financial aid affect your chances of being accepted by a college?
I already know that I will not be able to pay tuition all on my own and I was wondering if a college would not accept me over a student that doesn't need financial aid. #collegebound #college-admissions
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2 answers
Jennifer Haden
Higher Education Consultant
123
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Kate,
This is a great question! Unfortunately, it depends on the school as to whether or not your estimated need impacts your admissions decision.
There are two types of universities essentially: those that are need blind, those that are need aware, aka need sensitive. Need blind indicates that the school does not take ability to pay into the admissions decision, whereas the need blind, or need sensitive, school does. The article below provides further explanation.
In my opinion, you should research possible schools for fit - does it provide the education and experience that you are looking for when determining where to apply? If the fundamental criteria is met, you can use the FAFSA4caster to determine your financial situation and plug in the numbers on the institution's financial aid website. I would encourage you, however, especially in the beginning of your search, to focus on what's important in the education and experience rather than ability to pay. When you decide where you're applying, you can always amend your list to consider your EFC (estimated family contribution). I just hate the idea of good students selling themselves short because of the outrageous tuition bills!
Good luck to you! I wish you all the best in your educational endeavors --
financial aid need-based-vs-need-aware paying-for-college
This is a great question! Unfortunately, it depends on the school as to whether or not your estimated need impacts your admissions decision.
There are two types of universities essentially: those that are need blind, those that are need aware, aka need sensitive. Need blind indicates that the school does not take ability to pay into the admissions decision, whereas the need blind, or need sensitive, school does. The article below provides further explanation.
In my opinion, you should research possible schools for fit - does it provide the education and experience that you are looking for when determining where to apply? If the fundamental criteria is met, you can use the FAFSA4caster to determine your financial situation and plug in the numbers on the institution's financial aid website. I would encourage you, however, especially in the beginning of your search, to focus on what's important in the education and experience rather than ability to pay. When you decide where you're applying, you can always amend your list to consider your EFC (estimated family contribution). I just hate the idea of good students selling themselves short because of the outrageous tuition bills!
Good luck to you! I wish you all the best in your educational endeavors --
financial aid need-based-vs-need-aware paying-for-college
Tracey Jackson
35
Answers
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Updated
Tracey’s Answer
Hi Kate,
Great questions. Needing financial does not impact your chances of getting into your school of choice. The only determining factors that impact admissions are the following:
High School G.P.A.,
Test scores ( i.e. SAT, ACT),
Amount of positive recommendation letters from teachers
Quality of your essay
Amount of activities you participate in while in high school
Admissions officers want to see if you are a well rounded student with a decent grade point average. That tells them you will be able to adjust to and matriculate well in college life.
Don't worry about needing financial aid. All students need financial aid so you have nothing to worry about.
Best of luck to you.
Great questions. Needing financial does not impact your chances of getting into your school of choice. The only determining factors that impact admissions are the following:
High School G.P.A.,
Test scores ( i.e. SAT, ACT),
Amount of positive recommendation letters from teachers
Quality of your essay
Amount of activities you participate in while in high school
Admissions officers want to see if you are a well rounded student with a decent grade point average. That tells them you will be able to adjust to and matriculate well in college life.
Don't worry about needing financial aid. All students need financial aid so you have nothing to worry about.
Best of luck to you.