It does but that shouldn't stop you from applying. If you need aid, you must apply with them knowing this.

If you don't really need aid, of course don't apply for aid.

But absolutely do not apply without aid to get in and then apply for aid in a subsequent year (without a major change in circumstance) . Some schools have specific policies against this.

We worried about that, too. But you just have to read the guidelines offered up by each school.

For example, Lowell states, "Families who apply for financial aid should know that both the admissions and the financial aid committees make decisions independently; however, it is a need-sensitive process." (I admit I don't know exactly what this wording means, but our kid was waitlisted there due to FA needs and then not accepted because they couldn't meet our needs.)

It depends on the school.

Does needing financial aid impact admissions decisions for k-12 admissions?