I get a lot of queries from international students about U.S. colleges that offer “need-blind” admission to non-citizens. “Need-blind” means that admission decisions are made without any consideration of a student’s ability to pay … or not pay. Then, once these decisions are made, those who are admitted and require financial assistance will receive as much aid as necessary.

For college officials, it sounds something like a TV game show … one of those programs where the contestants pick a door or an envelope which may open to reveal thousands of dollars … or just a “booby prize.” Well, similarly, once an applicant is accepted via a “need-blind” process, college officials may discover that this student is quite wealthy and will require no financial aid whatsoever … or, conversely, the college may have to cover all expenses. (Sure, sometimes there are clues in the application … such as information about a parent’s education or employment … even a snazzy home address ….that can reveal a candidate’s likely need for aid even during a “need-blind” process, but there are always a few surprises, too.)

For the applicants themselves, need-blind admission sounds like no-lose situation. After all, who wouldn’t want to apply to a college that promises to ignore the fact that you can’t pay for pizza (never mind all the other expenses like tuition, room, board, books, and travel) and that also promises to provide whatever money you require so that you can enroll if admitted?

Well, here’s the rub: the seven U.S. colleges that currently offer need-blind admission for international students are also among the most selective schools in the nation … no, make that the world. They are Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, MIT, Williams, and Amherst. (Another “elite” but somewhat lesser known school, Middlebury College in Vermont, recently scaled back their generous need-blind policy due to the economic downturn. See http://www.middleburycampus.com/story/admissions-refocuses-international-strategy )

Not only are these seven need-blind institutions cut-throat competitive to begin with … for everyone … but also the need-blind policy draws a huge number of international applicants, thus making the competition even keener for overseas contenders. There are many excellent colleges that are not as well known among foreign students because their names don’t crop up on the lists of need-blind colleges colleges but which are still academically top-notch and do have good financial aid for international students.

The result is that, although the need-blind colleges are understandably attractive to international students, your admission odds may be far better at a college that will consider your financial need but—if you’re a very strong contender–will accept you (and aid you) anyway. So as you compile your college lists, don’t pass up colleges that have good aid for internationals, even if they’re not “need-blind.”