Can I apply for financial aid as a sophomore?

<p>I am currently filling out all the financial aid stuff and was wondering, if i am accepted and enroll at Tufts without asking for financial aid, can i ask for some as a sophomore? </p>

<p>The reasoning is that my family's 2010 financial situation will be significantly less easy than our 2009 financial situation. Currently, i don't think i will qualify for any significant financial aid, maybe loans, but next year it is likely i will qualify for grants etc. As i know that Tufts does not have need-blind admissions, it might be to my advantage not to apply for financial aid as an incoming freshman, especially since i probably won't receive any.</p>

<p>So, what's the answer?</p>

<p>Not applying for financial aid seems like a very bad idea if there is even the slightest possibility you will need it later, and I doubt it would make any difference to your application. Applying for aid leaves the door open should your circumstances change. The website (see below) seems to say that if you don’t apply as a freshman then you are last in line for aid in future years: </p>

<p>“Tufts attempts to meet your financial aid eligibility from federal, state, and institutional sources to the extent that funds are available. For upperclass students, preference is given to current aid recipients whose applications are received on time. New upperclass applicants and late applicants receive aid to the extent that funds are available.”</p>

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<p>If your family’s financial circumstances change drastically, I imagine you will be able to apply for FA as a sophomore but as mentioned above it will be harder to secure that aid.</p>

<p>We were in a similar position. Our finances DID change drastically (for the worse, unfortunately), and S. applied for aid his sophomore year. Luckily, the FA package he received from Tufts was quite fair, even generous. </p>

<p>I do agree, however, that if there’s even a possibility that you might get aid, then try for it. College is EXPENSIVE, and you might be pleasantly surprised.</p>