Applying for need based aid when you are ‘right on the edge’

[Anonymous]

I was the poster asked to prove...the ones with twins that had the seven point response above. Here is more citations on the matter.

https://www.unigo.com/admissions-advice/do-colleges-look-more-favorably-on-applicants-who-can-pay-full-tuition/51/4

https://www.ivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/college-admissions/2-reasons-need-blind-admissions-farce/

https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/does-applying-for-financial-aid-affect-your-chances-of-admission

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/need-blind-admissions-is-_b_5615698

[Anonymous]

Of course, we'll never know for sure, but my daughter with a 35 ACT, 3.9 UWGPA, very artistic/creative with leadership and interesting related activities, did not get into Wesleyan, not even waitlisted. We needed FA and I do believe that that played into the rejection. She got into all of the other schools that she applied to, with great merit (for the ones that offered it), and was waitlisted at Vassar. I had anticipated that she'd be waitlisted at Wesleyan as well since it is very competitive to get into. The flat out denial was a surprise, but they do say they are need aware, so I do believe that played into it in this case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please share which schools if you can

Yes would be grateful if you could share for those of us with highschoolers in the 2021/2022 classes.

Which schools? Happy to share but need more specifics since a specific post wasn’t responded to.

1. Schools that don’t benefit from pull pay or
2. Schools where holistic review and full pay I think helped my kid.

#2 would be most helpful. Thanks!

It’s very simple actually. It’s a very small number of schools that are both need blind and meet full need:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission

You can assume everywhere else it is either a benefit to be full pay or of negligible impact in admissions.

They say that but that is not the case. My kid just went through the process. I guarantee you only ivies and top schools like a duke or Northwestern can afford to be need blind. Top SLACs are not. They need the money. Schools also know coming from good dc area privates like Holton, Sidwell, GDS, NCS, Albans, and Potomac accounts for a lot. Doesn’t help in every case and top 20 are still ultra competitive for unhooked kids but it makes a difference at schools like Tulane, Northeastern, William and Mary, etc. SLACS like the Maine ones and few others, they need the money and they know coming from one of these privates a B student is strong and they take a wholistic review. Need good test scores and ECs.

If you are a B student, take challenging courses, do well on standardized tests, at some ECs. My kid definitely punched above her weight and ended up at a top 10 SLAC. Lot of opportunity outside Ivies. The top schools were hard even for high academic achievers that were unhooked. It was hard during ED when hooked kids were getting in. Full pay is not a full hook because it doesn’t work everywhere. Hooked means legacy, athletes who are recruited, and black or Hispanic minorities.

Sorry but you are wrong. 100% wrong. Schools that say they are need blind are need blind and you have not one scintilla of evidence they are not. This has been discussed here ad infinitum and never has one bit of evidence been shown. Don’t mislead this poor person into not asking for aid at need blind schools where they might need it.

No ma’am you are wrong. I just went through the app process for twins. But I could give two shits if you believe me. I am giving you my experience.

So tell us exactly how I am wrong, and how you know.

(I know you can’t)

Don’t mislead people. It’s wrong. Colleges that say they are need blind are telling the truth.

Don't need to prove to you anything.

Here is what I know.

1. My twins got into top schools (not Ivy). We got in off of waitlists. We were full pay. Before waitlists, they were in at top schools that many people on this board would love for their kids to go and are coveted.
2. I talked to three outside college consultants that I paid for that told my need blind is a farce with the exception of Ivies and certain top schools-I already gave examples of those schools--Duke, Northwestern, etc. A school like Colby or Bowdoin admits full pay kids with below academics if they are full pay under the guise of holistic admissions. These are top top SLACs. Yes, you need something like strong ECs, strong test scores, or something to compensate. You can't have a 2.5 GPA unweighted but let's a 3.3 (my kids GPA) with say a 32/33 ACT, you could probably get in somewhere very well respected e.g top 20 SLAC top 40 national university. Not in all cases but if you demonstrate interest, it helps. You can probably get Northeastern, Tulane, William and Mary (if in state), Maine SLACs, other SLACs that are ranked, etc.
3. It helps if you are coming from a top DC area private e.g. Sidwell, Holton, NCS/Albans, Potomac, or GDS. It feeds the perception that you are wealthy because the majority of kids there are full pay.
4. Make the waitlist and it is well known (read other threads), full pay becomes a huge asset.
5. This is especially true in this economy and with Corona/COVID-19.
6. There are numerous articles written about this like by The Atlantic about full pay hook
7. Fully pay makes early decision easier because you don't need to compare financial aid packages.

This is the problem. Kids, as in, the applicants themselves who need FA (stop saying we) are disadvantaged by their parents incomes. Which the kids have no control over. A tale as old as time...

[Anonymous]

My child, like many, isn’t going to finish in 4 years. We are fine with the why of it, but are also very happy she chose one of her less expensive options after aid since it looks like we will be paying for a fifth.

Sometimes the best laid plans just dont work out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please share which schools if you can

Yes would be grateful if you could share for those of us with highschoolers in the 2021/2022 classes.

Which schools? Happy to share but need more specifics since a specific post wasn’t responded to.

1. Schools that don’t benefit from pull pay or
2. Schools where holistic review and full pay I think helped my kid.

#2 would be most helpful. Thanks!

It’s very simple actually. It’s a very small number of schools that are both need blind and meet full need:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission

You can assume everywhere else it is either a benefit to be full pay or of negligible impact in admissions.

They say that but that is not the case. My kid just went through the process. I guarantee you only ivies and top schools like a duke or Northwestern can afford to be need blind. Top SLACs are not. They need the money. Schools also know coming from good dc area privates like Holton, Sidwell, GDS, NCS, Albans, and Potomac accounts for a lot. Doesn’t help in every case and top 20 are still ultra competitive for unhooked kids but it makes a difference at schools like Tulane, Northeastern, William and Mary, etc. SLACS like the Maine ones and few others, they need the money and they know coming from one of these privates a B student is strong and they take a wholistic review. Need good test scores and ECs.

If you are a B student, take challenging courses, do well on standardized tests, at some ECs. My kid definitely punched above her weight and ended up at a top 10 SLAC. Lot of opportunity outside Ivies. The top schools were hard even for high academic achievers that were unhooked. It was hard during ED when hooked kids were getting in. Full pay is not a full hook because it doesn’t work everywhere. Hooked means legacy, athletes who are recruited, and black or Hispanic minorities.

Sorry but you are wrong. 100% wrong. Schools that say they are need blind are need blind and you have not one scintilla of evidence they are not. This has been discussed here ad infinitum and never has one bit of evidence been shown. Don’t mislead this poor person into not asking for aid at need blind schools where they might need it.

No ma’am you are wrong. I just went through the app process for twins. But I could give two shits if you believe me. I am giving you my experience.

So tell us exactly how I am wrong, and how you know.

(I know you can’t)

Don’t mislead people. It’s wrong. Colleges that say they are need blind are telling the truth.

Don't need to prove to you anything.

Here is what I know.

1. My twins got into top schools (not Ivy). We got in off of waitlists. We were full pay. Before waitlists, they were in at top schools that many people on this board would love for their kids to go and are coveted.
2. I talked to three outside college consultants that I paid for that told my need blind is a farce with the exception of Ivies and certain top schools-I already gave examples of those schools--Duke, Northwestern, etc. A school like Colby or Bowdoin admits full pay kids with below academics if they are full pay under the guise of holistic admissions. These are top top SLACs. Yes, you need something like strong ECs, strong test scores, or something to compensate. You can't have a 2.5 GPA unweighted but let's a 3.3 (my kids GPA) with say a 32/33 ACT, you could probably get in somewhere very well respected e.g top 20 SLAC top 40 national university. Not in all cases but if you demonstrate interest, it helps. You can probably get Northeastern, Tulane, William and Mary (if in state), Maine SLACs, other SLACs that are ranked, etc.
3. It helps if you are coming from a top DC area private e.g. Sidwell, Holton, NCS/Albans, Potomac, or GDS. It feeds the perception that you are wealthy because the majority of kids there are full pay.
4. Make the waitlist and it is well known (read other threads), full pay becomes a huge asset.
5. This is especially true in this economy and with Corona/COVID-19.
6. There are numerous articles written about this like by The Atlantic about full pay hook
7. Fully pay makes early decision easier because you don't need to compare financial aid packages.

Sorry to be rough on you here, but you spent all that time typing and not reading.

Read the link of need blind schools in the post of mine you quoted. Colby is NOT need blind. So you are correct about that but wrong about the claim that they are lying. Bowdoin IS need blind. You continue to claim they lie but have no evidence that is true, Covid or not. As for full pay being a hook: OF COURSE it is, at schools that are need aware. At schools that are need-blind, it is NOT, This self-determined distinction is NOT a secret and I posted a list for you to see. It’s not a “farce” despite what your “outside college consultants” told you.

Schools that claim to be need blind in admissions are need blind in admissions. End period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was the poster asked to prove...the ones with twins that had the seven point response above. Here is more citations on the matter.

https://www.unigo.com/admissions-advice/do-colleges-look-more-favorably-on-applicants-who-can-pay-full-tuition/51/4

https://www.ivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/college-admissions/2-reasons-need-blind-admissions-farce/

https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/does-applying-for-financial-aid-affect-your-chances-of-admission

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/need-blind-admissions-is-_b_5615698

Link 1: Would not load for me

Link 2: The most famous article Making this specious claim and one largely responsible for this urban myth. HAS NO FACTS OR EVIDENCE, just a lot of conjecture. Most important: written by Bev Taylor, of IvyCoach, who charges A MILLION DOLLARS for her college consulting services (mostly to very rich internationals). Do you think she has a vested interest in those folks believing her?

Link 3: Completely supports the claim that schools that say they are need blind are so: “ Ask the colleges you are considering whether they practice need-blind admissions, and whether that need-blind admissions policy or practice includes students who are wait-listed.”

Link 4: Essentially the same article as link 2, also by “Million Dollar” Bev Taylor. https://nypost.com/2018/02/10/mom-agreed-to-give-consultant-1-5m-to-help-kids-college-admissions-suit/

Sorry there is ZERO EVIDENCE here. To repeat: Colleges that claim to be need blind in admissions are in fact need blind in admissions. Please do not hesitate to request financial aid from those colleges thinking it will help your chances of admissions. It will not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please share which schools if you can

Yes would be grateful if you could share for those of us with highschoolers in the 2021/2022 classes.

Which schools? Happy to share but need more specifics since a specific post wasn’t responded to.

1. Schools that don’t benefit from pull pay or
2. Schools where holistic review and full pay I think helped my kid.

#2 would be most helpful. Thanks!

It’s very simple actually. It’s a very small number of schools that are both need blind and meet full need:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission

You can assume everywhere else it is either a benefit to be full pay or of negligible impact in admissions.

They say that but that is not the case. My kid just went through the process. I guarantee you only ivies and top schools like a duke or Northwestern can afford to be need blind. Top SLACs are not. They need the money. Schools also know coming from good dc area privates like Holton, Sidwell, GDS, NCS, Albans, and Potomac accounts for a lot. Doesn’t help in every case and top 20 are still ultra competitive for unhooked kids but it makes a difference at schools like Tulane, Northeastern, William and Mary, etc. SLACS like the Maine ones and few others, they need the money and they know coming from one of these privates a B student is strong and they take a wholistic review. Need good test scores and ECs.

If you are a B student, take challenging courses, do well on standardized tests, at some ECs. My kid definitely punched above her weight and ended up at a top 10 SLAC. Lot of opportunity outside Ivies. The top schools were hard even for high academic achievers that were unhooked. It was hard during ED when hooked kids were getting in. Full pay is not a full hook because it doesn’t work everywhere. Hooked means legacy, athletes who are recruited, and black or Hispanic minorities.

Sorry but you are wrong. 100% wrong. Schools that say they are need blind are need blind and you have not one scintilla of evidence they are not. This has been discussed here ad infinitum and never has one bit of evidence been shown. Don’t mislead this poor person into not asking for aid at need blind schools where they might need it.

No ma’am you are wrong. I just went through the app process for twins. But I could give two shits if you believe me. I am giving you my experience.

So tell us exactly how I am wrong, and how you know.

(I know you can’t)

Don’t mislead people. It’s wrong. Colleges that say they are need blind are telling the truth.

Don't need to prove to you anything.

Here is what I know.

1. My twins got into top schools (not Ivy). We got in off of waitlists. We were full pay. Before waitlists, they were in at top schools that many people on this board would love for their kids to go and are coveted.
2. I talked to three outside college consultants that I paid for that told my need blind is a farce with the exception of Ivies and certain top schools-I already gave examples of those schools--Duke, Northwestern, etc. A school like Colby or Bowdoin admits full pay kids with below academics if they are full pay under the guise of holistic admissions. These are top top SLACs. Yes, you need something like strong ECs, strong test scores, or something to compensate. You can't have a 2.5 GPA unweighted but let's a 3.3 (my kids GPA) with say a 32/33 ACT, you could probably get in somewhere very well respected e.g top 20 SLAC top 40 national university. Not in all cases but if you demonstrate interest, it helps. You can probably get Northeastern, Tulane, William and Mary (if in state), Maine SLACs, other SLACs that are ranked, etc.
3. It helps if you are coming from a top DC area private e.g. Sidwell, Holton, NCS/Albans, Potomac, or GDS. It feeds the perception that you are wealthy because the majority of kids there are full pay.
4. Make the waitlist and it is well known (read other threads), full pay becomes a huge asset.
5. This is especially true in this economy and with Corona/COVID-19.
6. There are numerous articles written about this like by The Atlantic about full pay hook
7. Fully pay makes early decision easier because you don't need to compare financial aid packages.

Sorry to be rough on you here, but you spent all that time typing and not reading.

Read the link of need blind schools in the post of mine you quoted. Colby is NOT need blind. So you are correct about that but wrong about the claim that they are lying. Bowdoin IS need blind. You continue to claim they lie but have no evidence that is true, Covid or not. As for full pay being a hook: OF COURSE it is, at schools that are need aware. At schools that are need-blind, it is NOT, This self-determined distinction is NOT a secret and I posted a list for you to see. It’s not a “farce” despite what your “outside college consultants” told you.

Schools that claim to be need blind in admissions are need blind in admissions. End period.

President Trump stop spreading fake news. You are wrong. You are not answering the bulk of my seven points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was the poster asked to prove...the ones with twins that had the seven point response above. Here is more citations on the matter.

https://www.unigo.com/admissions-advice/do-colleges-look-more-favorably-on-applicants-who-can-pay-full-tuition/51/4

https://www.ivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/college-admissions/2-reasons-need-blind-admissions-farce/

https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/does-applying-for-financial-aid-affect-your-chances-of-admission

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/need-blind-admissions-is-_b_5615698

Link 1: Would not load for me

Link 2: The most famous article Making this specious claim and one largely responsible for this urban myth. HAS NO FACTS OR EVIDENCE, just a lot of conjecture. Most important: written by Bev Taylor, of IvyCoach, who charges A MILLION DOLLARS for her college consulting services (mostly to very rich internationals). Do you think she has a vested interest in those folks believing her?

Link 3: Completely supports the claim that schools that say they are need blind are so: “ Ask the colleges you are considering whether they practice need-blind admissions, and whether that need-blind admissions policy or practice includes students who are wait-listed.”

Link 4: Essentially the same article as link 2, also by “Million Dollar” Bev Taylor. https://nypost.com/2018/02/10/mom-agreed-to-give-consultant-1-5m-to-help-kids-college-admissions-suit/

Sorry there is ZERO EVIDENCE here. To repeat: Colleges that claim to be need blind in admissions are in fact need blind in admissions. Please do not hesitate to request financial aid from those colleges thinking it will help your chances of admissions. It will not.

Articles are good sources. People that know more than you. These people know what they are talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Articles are good sources. People that know more than you. These people know what they are talking about.

NP. None of the articles are written by people who work in college admission. They're all by people who make their money by scaring parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please share which schools if you can

Yes would be grateful if you could share for those of us with highschoolers in the 2021/2022 classes.

Which schools? Happy to share but need more specifics since a specific post wasn’t responded to.

1. Schools that don’t benefit from pull pay or
2. Schools where holistic review and full pay I think helped my kid.

#2 would be most helpful. Thanks!

It’s very simple actually. It’s a very small number of schools that are both need blind and meet full need:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission

You can assume everywhere else it is either a benefit to be full pay or of negligible impact in admissions.

They say that but that is not the case. My kid just went through the process. I guarantee you only ivies and top schools like a duke or Northwestern can afford to be need blind. Top SLACs are not. They need the money. Schools also know coming from good dc area privates like Holton, Sidwell, GDS, NCS, Albans, and Potomac accounts for a lot. Doesn’t help in every case and top 20 are still ultra competitive for unhooked kids but it makes a difference at schools like Tulane, Northeastern, William and Mary, etc. SLACS like the Maine ones and few others, they need the money and they know coming from one of these privates a B student is strong and they take a wholistic review. Need good test scores and ECs.

If you are a B student, take challenging courses, do well on standardized tests, at some ECs. My kid definitely punched above her weight and ended up at a top 10 SLAC. Lot of opportunity outside Ivies. The top schools were hard even for high academic achievers that were unhooked. It was hard during ED when hooked kids were getting in. Full pay is not a full hook because it doesn’t work everywhere. Hooked means legacy, athletes who are recruited, and black or Hispanic minorities.

Sorry but you are wrong. 100% wrong. Schools that say they are need blind are need blind and you have not one scintilla of evidence they are not. This has been discussed here ad infinitum and never has one bit of evidence been shown. Don’t mislead this poor person into not asking for aid at need blind schools where they might need it.

No ma’am you are wrong. I just went through the app process for twins. But I could give two shits if you believe me. I am giving you my experience.

So tell us exactly how I am wrong, and how you know.

(I know you can’t)

Don’t mislead people. It’s wrong. Colleges that say they are need blind are telling the truth.

Don't need to prove to you anything.

Here is what I know.

1. My twins got into top schools (not Ivy). We got in off of waitlists. We were full pay. Before waitlists, they were in at top schools that many people on this board would love for their kids to go and are coveted.
2. I talked to three outside college consultants that I paid for that told my need blind is a farce with the exception of Ivies and certain top schools-I already gave examples of those schools--Duke, Northwestern, etc. A school like Colby or Bowdoin admits full pay kids with below academics if they are full pay under the guise of holistic admissions. These are top top SLACs. Yes, you need something like strong ECs, strong test scores, or something to compensate. You can't have a 2.5 GPA unweighted but let's a 3.3 (my kids GPA) with say a 32/33 ACT, you could probably get in somewhere very well respected e.g top 20 SLAC top 40 national university. Not in all cases but if you demonstrate interest, it helps. You can probably get Northeastern, Tulane, William and Mary (if in state), Maine SLACs, other SLACs that are ranked, etc.
3. It helps if you are coming from a top DC area private e.g. Sidwell, Holton, NCS/Albans, Potomac, or GDS. It feeds the perception that you are wealthy because the majority of kids there are full pay.
4. Make the waitlist and it is well known (read other threads), full pay becomes a huge asset.
5. This is especially true in this economy and with Corona/COVID-19.
6. There are numerous articles written about this like by The Atlantic about full pay hook
7. Fully pay makes early decision easier because you don't need to compare financial aid packages.

Sorry to be rough on you here, but you spent all that time typing and not reading.

Read the link of need blind schools in the post of mine you quoted. Colby is NOT need blind. So you are correct about that but wrong about the claim that they are lying. Bowdoin IS need blind. You continue to claim they lie but have no evidence that is true, Covid or not. As for full pay being a hook: OF COURSE it is, at schools that are need aware. At schools that are need-blind, it is NOT, This self-determined distinction is NOT a secret and I posted a list for you to see. It’s not a “farce” despite what your “outside college consultants” told you.

Schools that claim to be need blind in admissions are need blind in admissions. End period.

President Trump stop spreading fake news. You are wrong. You are not answering the bulk of my seven points.

You want to get in an ad hominem and then demand I answer all your pointless typing number by number? OK.

1: Has nothing to do with need blind admission and since you don’t mention the schools we can’t even tell if they are applicable
2: You mention a school that doesn’t even claim to be need-blind (Colby) and mention other schools that are AND AGREE THAT THEY ARE!! So thanks for that.
3: Conjecture, no evidence that this shows colleges are lying about need blind admissions policies. Of course if you are from a top HS you have a better chance of admissions - this has nothing to do with need blind policies.
4: Yes, AT NEED AWARE SCHOOLS. Again, no evidence of this at need blind schools.
5: Repetition of your claim, no evidence provided.
6: I addressed your articles above. No evidence therein and in fact one of them (The Atlantic Article) supports the opposite claim.
7: This claim is true but has NOTHING to do with need-blind admissions policies.

Happy now?

[Anonymous]

Honey I could care less whether you believe me. You are misleading this poor people that have rising seniors. I got my kids in and I am done so I could care less. The truth is the truth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Articles are good sources. People that know more than you. These people know what they are talking about.

NP. None of the articles are written by people who work in college admission. They're all by people who make their money by scaring parents.

Actually only one was written by a consultant. Huffington Post doesn’t provide consultancy to my knowledge. Again, my kids are in so I could care less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Articles are good sources. People that know more than you. These people know what they are talking about.

NP. None of the articles are written by people who work in college admission. They're all by people who make their money by scaring parents.

Actually only one was written by a consultant. Huffington Post doesn’t provide consultancy to my knowledge. Again, my kids are in so I could care less.

Holy cow did you even look at the author of the HP article you posted? Did you? Look now, I will wait. Come back and tell us about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Articles are good sources. People that know more than you. These people know what they are talking about.

NP. None of the articles are written by people who work in college admission. They're all by people who make their money by scaring parents.

Actually only one was written by a consultant. Huffington Post doesn’t provide consultancy to my knowledge. Again, my kids are in so I could care less.

Holy cow did you even look at the author of the HP article you posted? Did you? Look now, I will wait. Come back and tell us about it.

HP wouldn't post it Einstein without checking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Articles are good sources. People that know more than you. These people know what they are talking about.

NP. None of the articles are written by people who work in college admission. They're all by people who make their money by scaring parents.

Actually only one was written by a consultant. Huffington Post doesn’t provide consultancy to my knowledge. Again, my kids are in so I could care less.

Holy cow did you even look at the author of the HP article you posted? Did you? Look now, I will wait. Come back and tell us about it.

HP wouldn't post it Einstein without checking.

LOL now I know you are a troll. And for those reading, the article was also written by “Million Dollar Bev” Taylor, the same as the second article. https://nypost.com/2018/02/10/mom-agreed-to-give-consultant-1-5m-to-help-kids-college-admissions-suit/

Please, people with children applying: Do not be afraid to ask for financial aid from need-blind schools. It will not harm your chance of admission at all. Know the difference between “need-blind” and “need aware” schools, unlike this mother of twins.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission