<p>Does it decrease your chances?</p>
<p>If so, can you say you're not applying for financial aid, and then change after you've been admitted, and submit your FAFSA?</p>
<p>Don't you think the schools would notice?</p>
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If so, can you say you're not applying for financial aid, and then change after you've been admitted, and submit your FAFSA?
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<p>Oh yes, you can do that, but don't count on getting any money or getting a package that is full of loans because all of the students who actually need aid, checked the box and applied for aid on time will have used it all up.</p>
<p>Bottom line is this, unless you know that you are full freigh paying your way through school, if you need aid apply for aid.</p>
<p>Even at schools that are need aware or need sensitive, the need for aid does not become an issue until they are they are almost finish with all of the applications. THe best thing you can do for your self is apply and make sure that none of your stuff is late.</p>
<p>Some schools will not consider you for financial aid for a period of time (usually till junior year) if you apply without filling out a request for financial aid. Other schools simply do what Sybbie says. You get what's left, and that means loans. I have seen a lot of families who are on that brink of qualifying for aid, decide not to do so, because they fear it would predjudice the decision. Foolish to do this because, even if such famiies should apply, they may not qualify, and if they do, it would be for a small amount. When need aware schools have to start looking at what it would cost to accept a student, it is with the more borderline candidates. There is a big difference between coming up with an EFC of $5k vs one of $30K. For someone needing such a small amount, such schools have no qualms about offering loans to take care of the need. It isn't going to affect the decision for admissions. And if you are in the category where your EFC is very, very low, I don't see why it would be worth it to get into a school where there is such a big gap between your need and the cost. The top schools are truly need blind. When we start getting into the small category of schools that are need aware, it isn't going to be such a hardship to be wary of that category if you are borderline for admissions there. You pick the schools that state that they are need blind which are the majority of schools, and look for those that cover most of the demonstrated need, and search for some good merit possibilities as well.</p>
<p>to continue on cptofthehouse's post. At some colleges if you do not apply for aid as a freshman or entering student, you will not be considered for financial aid in subsequent years.</p>
<p>Check the policies at all of the schools that you are considering especially because you are looking to transfer (where schools have very limited if any aid for transfer students).</p>
<p>A lot of schools are need blind so those are schools to apply to.</p>
<p>Others barely take it into consideration, so if you need the aid, apply for it, if you don't, leave it for someone who actually does.</p>