Is any aspect of college admissions more mystifying than the determination of financial aid? The concept of “need” and how different schools consider need in both admissions and aid decisions goes deeper than most people realize. For clarity to the topic of need blind and need aware admissions, I turned to college consultant Jona Jacobson.

Jona Jacobson is an independent educational consultant based out of Rochester, NY who coaches students on choosing colleges and completing their college applications and essays. A former attorney and substitute teacher, Jona is in her ninth year of advising students and families through the college application process, both locally and nationally.

What are five things you will learn in this episode?

What do the terms “need,” “need blind,” and “need aware” mean in college admissions?
What is gapping?
Do all colleges meet 100% of need?
Does need or the lack thereof influence admissions decisions?
What does it mean when schools claim that x% of students receive financial aid?