How do admissions and FA work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately, independent schools in this area are not truly "need blind" in the way that the best endowed colleges and universities are. From what I understand, the first round of admissions is made based upon application alone. But, after that considerations are made to accept or deny applicants based upon their ability to pay and the school's ability to meet demonstrated financial need. If the school cannot afford to meet an applicant's financial need, the school may decide to deny admission.

This is what I was wondering about. I realize that you apply for both at the same time. I just did that. I wanted to know how the decisions are made. Why then do some schools admit a student who clearly needs a lot of aid? Do they think it will just magically appear and then they can afford tuition?

I know. I have kind of mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it's kind of paternalistic for a school to make a choice for a family by withholding admission if the school can't provide enough aid. OTOH, it's kind of cruel to dangle a coveted acceptance in front of a family knowing full well that the family can't afford it.

I think their view of it is, if you really want to come here then you will find a way to do it. If not, there are five kids behind you who can pay the full tuition. Your loss. Take it or leave it.

I really want my kid to go to one of these schools but there is no legal way I can afford to pay the tuition.

I really want a private jet but there is no legal way I can afford to pay for it.

Exactly but if the company who makes them would be willing to pay for it for you (partially or almost all of it), wouldn't you spend $40 and an hour or two to fill out the form to try to get it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's info from an insider: http://www.dcschoolh ub.com/forums/topic/financial-aid/

The full link didn't post.

Cut and paste and take out the space in schoolhub.

[Anonymous]

So if your family is definitely full pay, does that make it easier to get in to an elite school? Curious about Holton, Landon and Sidwell, in particular.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So if your family is definitely full pay, does that make it easier to get in to an elite school? Curious about Holton, Landon and Sidwell, in particular.

As a general rule, I'd say that if you can pay the full price of crazy expensive organic milk, that makes it easier for you to get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if your family is definitely full pay, does that make it easier to get in to an elite school? Curious about Holton, Landon and Sidwell, in particular.

As a general rule, I'd say that if you can pay the full price of crazy expensive organic milk, that makes it easier for you to get it.

+1 especially in the lower grades where academic records have not been established, hence a FA kid might be a gamble. Not a done deal for high school.