The economy has hit highly respected Beloit University hard. After laying off 30+ employees this small university knew it must cut admissions. And now as applications stream in for the coveted 340 positions in the freshman class administrators report that they will be using a “need-sensitive” admissions system in contrast to neighboring Lawrence University’s “need-blind”.  “Need-sensitive” admissions require applications be reviewed not only on ability to succeed academically, but also on ability to pay. In a perfect world I’m sure Beloit would select “need-blind” system–those academically able are accepted regardless of ability to pay.

The debate is whether it is better to admit students, not have adequate support and have them graduate with high debt or in essence force them to make a better economic choice by rejecting them. What do you think?

The lesson is different for different applicants. If you will need financial aid then you must research carefully colleges/universities that have need-blind admissions.  If you do not believe you will need financial aid when asked on the application so indicate and make sure you find a few “need-sensitive” schools to apply to. Whether all of this is right or wrong for society as a whole, it is what it is, at least for now.