Are schools really need blind?

[Anonymous]

I find it hard to believe. If they are, how do they determine who to admit and balance resources ?

[Anonymous]

They are not, who said they were?

[Anonymous]

I don't think they claim to be.

[Anonymous]

None of them are need blind. They only have a finite amount of aid to give out, so they have to know how many people need aid, and how much aid they need, before they can make admissions decisions

[Anonymous]

What? Local private schools are not need blind, OP.

[Anonymous]

Most (I want to say all, but I haven’t checked every single one) are not need blind, and even if you are accepted and get FA there’s no guarantee it’s the full amount of FA you think you need.

[Anonymous]

They are not need blind - at all.

We know of bright kids with need who were rejected from the most competitive schools because there were plenty of other smart full pay kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are not need blind - at all.

We know of bright kids with need who were rejected from the most competitive schools because there were plenty of other smart full pay kids.

PS - they were accepted to schools a tier down and did great - often better college placement because they rose to the top. But they didn't all particularly love their school (as it wasn't always the best fit - but alternatively - the school that would give them $$)

[Anonymous]

They are not.

I'm convinced I easily got into my first choice law school because I was full pay.

[Anonymous]

They are not need blind at all. If you are a star student but need a lot of aid, then you get waitlisted. If you need less aid or none, you have higher chances of getting accepted.

[Anonymous]

There are very few independent day schools anywhere in the country that are need blind.

[Anonymous]

I think you got your answer, OP. But curious why you thought they were?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are very few independent day schools anywhere in the country that are need blind.

Only a small handful of colleges/universities can both be need blind as to admissions, and commit to cover that demonstrated financial need with FA other than loans. And those institutions have tens billions in their endowment.

[Anonymous]

OP.. The school websites indicate that they are need blind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP.. The school websites indicate that they are need blind.

It is easy to be need blind when you aren't "meets all demonstrated need" -- you just adjust your yield calculations.