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Does Applying for Financial Aid Hurt My College Admissions Chances?

Great College Advice

When it comes to college-bound students’ impressions of the relationship between financial aid and admissions, anxiety seems to rule the day. Many of my students and families worry that if they check the box on the college application indicating that they will be applying for financial aid that they won’t get in.

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Financial Aid, Admissions, and “Need Blind” Policies

Great College Advice

What is Need Blind Admission to College? Clients have asked me repeatedly to explain the relationship between the financial aid and admissions offices, and to help them to understand how financial need is factored into admissions decisions. Believe me, they are not. Believe me, they are not.

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Merit-Based Financial Aid Explained

Great College Advice

While I was there, I took a few moments to explain how merit based financial aid works. If you’re interested, I also explained need-based financial aid in this post. I’m here right now on the campus of Dickinson College, which is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and I want to talk a little bit about financial aid.

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How to Write an Email to College Admissions Counselors

Great College Advice

The college admissions process can be filled with uncertainty. One source of information that can help reduce the uncertainty — in some respects — are college admissions counselors. But do you know how to write an email to college admissions counselors? However, you also want to avoid being annoying.

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Top Questions to Ask a College Admissions Counselor

Great College Advice

There is one invaluable resource in your college search that should not be overlooked: college admissions counselors. What questions to ask a college admissions counselor Talking to someone who knows the ins and outs of the college or university you’re interested in is a very good opportunity that you should not pass up.

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Do I Need a College Counselor? 7 Factors to Consider

Great College Advice

As the college admissions process becomes ever more complicated and stressful–and expensive–more and more families are asking the question, “Do I need a college counselor?” While not every family needs personalized guidance through the college admissions maze, many do. And then they deny admission to apparently strong applicants.

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Choosing A College: Don’t Ignore The Cost

Great College Advice

Step 4: Investigate the financial aid generosity of each school Not all schools are created equal when it comes to their financial aid generosity. Some will meet full financial needs while others won’t. Some schools will be very generous with merit aid for those who don’t meet the criteria for need-based aid.