In your search for colleges and universities abroad, you might have come across the term “need-blind admission.”
What does it mean? Let’s explore.
Simply put, need-blind admission means that a student’s financial ability isn’t a determining factor when in the admission decision.
To gain admission to most colleges and universities in the U.S, international students have to demonstrate ability to pay for academic and living expenses. To process your U.S student visa, your school must issue you with Form I-20. Form I-20 certifies that you’ve gained admission to the university after financial ability has been established.
Fortunately, not all U.S universities require students to show financial ability before offering admission—which is known as need-blind admission. Currently, there are five U.S colleges that offer need-blind admission to all applicants, including international students:
- Yale University
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Amherst College
These also offer full-aid to all students, including international students. Georgetown University also offers need-blind admission but doesn’t guarantee full-aid once a student has been accepted.
What is the Difference Between Need-Blind and Need-Aware Admission?
Unlike need-blind admission, need-aware means that your ability to pay is factored in making the admission decision.
Colleges with need-aware admission processes, however, usually have financial aid that’s based on the students’ circumstances.
A need-blind admission with full-aid assures you that you can pursue your studies without worrying about how you’ll pay. However, some colleges may offer need-blind admission without any guarantee of financial aid.
Make sure that you understand what need-blind admission means for you in the college you’ve applied to. Does it come with a guarantee of full financial aid?
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