applying after first year

Paying for College
1

<p>generally speaking, does applying for aid after your first year hurt you? I will be attending UW-Madison this fall (in state), but I did not bother applying for financial aid my freshman year since I wouldn't qualify. I will qualify my sophomore year, though. If I apply next year, then, will I have an equal chance at getting a good financial aid package as the incoming freshmen? </p>

<p>I feel like I'm throwing a curve ball to my uni by saying, "oh by the way, I know I said in the beginning that I wouldn't need aid, but now I will need some aid to finish." Am I messing up their projected budget by applying late?</p>

2

<p>For the most part your freshman package is usually your best package because as the years past you are eligible to take out more loans.</p>

<p>The FAFSA will look at your eligibility for federal aid, so apply and see what happens.</p>