How do admissions and FA work?

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering how the process works. Let's say the admissions committee decides to admit my DD. I am assuming they decide based only on what is in her application. After that, they send the admits over to the FA Dept and they decide who gets what in terms of FA. Is this how it works?

[Anonymous]

No, you apply for both at the same time.
Once your child is admitted they will let you know how much aid they can offer you based on what you provided on your FA application.

[Anonymous]

15:08 is correct.

At the college level many schools have need-blind admissions -- and the reviews are handled totally separately. But not usually at elementary and secondary schools.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure how linked they are, but last year, for example, son was accepted to school and at the same time, we were informed we did not qualify for aid there. in other words, he wasn't rejected because it was felt we did not qualify for aid.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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

The full link didn't post.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

So how do they know I can play full boat? Just by the fact we are not applying for FA? How do I say I will donate 25K if my kids are accepted? Never got an answer on this on the other thread?

--signed,
Quid Pro Quo

[Anonymous]

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.

You are joking, correct? Private schools are a luxury product -- why would admission be "need blind"?

(K12 is very different from higher ed)

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

You are joking, correct? Private schools are a luxury product -- why would admission be "need blind"?

(K12 is very different from higher ed)

Why do you consider this a luxury product?
What makes it different from public versus private college/higher ed?