The “need blind” admission initiative suggests that Andover will support 100% of a familys demonstrated need. What does that mean?
The “need blind” initiative confirms our commitment to creating access to Andover’s educational opportunity. The reason we broadcast that Andover will support 100% of a family’s demonstrated need is to help families understand that Andover does not engage in a common financial aid practice known as “gapping.” Most NAIS member schools “gap” their financial aid awards by not fully funding the level of financial need demonstrated through the financial aid process. Many schools attempt to stretch their financial aid budgets by allocating smaller grants to more students, which restricts some families’ ability to return year after year in the wake of partial funding. Also, the practice of gapping creates more pressure on the school to consider those who can afford to pay more, over those who can pay less, making ability to pay a partial factor in the enrollment decision.
