<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I put on the common app that I want need based aid.</p>
<p>I don't want to apply for merit aid, because I don't think that I can write a strong essay topic for the question that is asked of my chosen major.</p>
<p>My parents are insisting that I apply because if I don't apply for merit aid it will look bad I won't receive as much need based - what's the truth behind this?</p>