Can FAFSA actually hurt you?

Paying for College
1

<p>My parents have done the EFC estimators and it says our EFC will be about $70,000. They don't think its worth even filing the FAFSA and CSS but so many friends say we should file anyway because it may affect merit aid.
I have been accepted EA to my top choice schools and all of them have offered me roughly 1/2 tuition in merit scholarships. Two of them stated I could be eligle for more, once the Regular decision process is complete and they have the whole applicant pool to consider. </p>

<p>My question is if we file the FAFSA and they see such a high EFC will it hurt my chances of getting more merit aid? I certainly don't see how it could help. If we don't file, will that raise any questions? I originally put on my EA applications that I would be filing for financial aid - do I need to contact the schools if we decide not to?</p>

<p>I have read through a lot of posts but did not see this type of question. So thanks anyone for your advice.</p>

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<p>There are lots of scholarships that are intended for students who have little or no financial need...I don't know about all the specific colleges that offer those, but I know that BU is one of them, so I'm sure there are a lot more.</p>

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<p>Thanks Strawberry.</p>

<p>Anyone with advice on the FAFSA?</p>

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<p>My question really has to do with whether or not to even file the FAFSA/Profile. Not so much interested in what schools offer merit aid. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Well, check to see if your schools offer any of the same kind of scholarships because if you want them, you need to file the FAFSA (and maybe the profile if it's required) to be eligible for them.</p>

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<p>Strawberry,
I'm not understanding your reply. What "same kind of scholarships" are you referring to.</p>

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<p>sorry...should've clarified...the merit scholarships that are specifically set aside for students with little or no calculated financial need.</p>

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<p>merit scholarships are just that. MERIT. That is all they look at. If a scholarship has some type of financial need component the school will say so. By not filing they definitely won't consider you for those with a need component. By filing you probably won't qualify for those with a need component but who knows. No harm in filing as far as I know. Some schools require a FAFSA filed in order to work for the school. I know some people who have gotten screwed on that.</p>

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<p>Teenie, thanks. So to translate, the FAFSA may help, but it can't hurt regarding merit aid. I don't think we will qualify for any work study, etc. but I just don't want them to look at the EFC and say no more merit aid because the EFC is so high. Anyone else with experience in this?</p>