is applying for financial aid a red flag

[Anonymous]

I know that the schools are not required to give me aid if I get in, but does it tilt the decision making process against us?

[Anonymous]

I totally THINK it is held againt you. I applied for FA at Sidwell --outright rejected. We also applied to a few other schools without asking for Aid and we were accepted at GDS and Lowell. Looking at these forms from the two accepted schools is stressing me OUT and I hate to do it but we will have to decline on both. I just don't have over $ 30,000 a put out (this includes aftercare). I would think of all the schools Sidwell had the most to give and I believe that our rejection had something to do with asking for aid. Just my opionion ofcoure so don't flame about maybe my DC is not the right fit because ofcourse it could be that as well.

[Anonymous]

A consideration, not a red flag. Schools have expenses and they need to find the ideal mix between kids that can pay to keep the lights on, and ones that they can help out. They have X seats and Y expenses.

I would guess though given two equal backgrounds and scores the non-financial aid kid would get in over the one that needs significant aid.

[Anonymous]

Yeah...I'm not convinced this stuff is need-blind. I feel that the FA families have to be the best...otherwise they're not getting in. period