Is applying for financial aid harmful to my chances of admission?

I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college applications. I know I'll need financial aid, but I've heard that applying for it can hurt my chances of getting accepted. Is this true? I'm feeling a bit stressed about this. Thanks for any help, and CollegeVine, you've been a great resource!

Hi there! It's great that you're starting to think about college applications early. When it comes to financial aid, the short answer is that applying for it generally does not hurt your chances of admission.

Most colleges and universities in the United States follow a need-blind admissions policy, which means that they do not consider your financial situation when making admission decisions. This ensures that students are evaluated based on their merits, and not their ability to pay.

However, it's important to note that some schools do consider financial need, particularly in the case of international students or when the school has limited financial aid resources. To be on the safe side, you can always research the financial aid policies of the colleges you're interested in to see if they're need-blind or need-aware. Here's a list of need-blind schools to get you started: https://blog.collegevine.com/a-guide-to-need-blind-schools-complete-list

Remember, applying for financial aid is essential for many students, and it should not deter you from pursuing higher education. Don't let the fear of needing assistance hold you back, and always feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Wishing you the best of luck on your college journey!