<p>I didn't submit a fafsa/css profile this year because my dad and I didn't think that I would get anything, but if I were to enroll at one of the following, could I apply for financial aid next year at schools like Rice, Stanford, Ivies, NYU?</p>
<p>From what I hear, it's always better to fill out, than to 'guess' that you wuld not be eligible. make sure to do it early in the year. Fafsa can only be done after Jan.1, so be ready ahead of time with all the information.</p>
<p>But can I apply for financial aid for my sophomore year in college even though I didn't for freshman year?</p>
<p>We had never before done fafsa or CSS for my D who is now a second-year in college. This year, for the first time, we have. Nothing stops you from submitting the Fafsa or CSS. If you have not even started the process yet, you had better get on it, as colleges give out money on a first-come basis.</p>
<p>You would have to check the policies at your indiviudal school becasue there is not one cut and dry answers and policies vary from school to school.</p>
<p>^for instutional aid, that is true. For federal aid and state aid, that is not up to the school. They cannot forbid you from applying or getting any gov aid that you are entitled to. Which means, they have to process your FA forms.</p>
<p>S's school, when our circumstances changed, told us of course we should apply. ANd that all apps are treated equally. (Its a full-need school.)</p>
<p>I have only heard third hand that any school treated new applicants harshly. I wonder if it has become urban legend.</p>
<p>bottom line, though, talk to your school.</p>