<p>Hello,
So there is a question on the Common App that asks "Do you intend to apply for need-based financial aid?" When I submitted my applications to my schools, I answered no since I knew that I would not get anything based on my parents income. However, circumstances have changed, and now I might qualify for need-based financial aid. Can I still apply for aid??
Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>You need to call your schools and ask. We don’t know which schools you applied to and we don’t know their policies.</p>
<p>BTW…if one of your parents recently lost their job, you need to mention that to your schools and ask how that will be handled. They may say that they’re going to wait and see if your parent finds a new job in the next few months. </p>
<p>Do not delay in calling and asking if that can be changed on your application asap. After that, you need to file the FAFSA and any other forms the colleges need, like CSS Profile is common. If there is a change in circumstance since 2013 income, you can separately inform the financial aid office about that and see if they will take it into consideration.</p>
<p>Yes, call so that your name goes to the financial aid office and they can calculate your package when your FAFSA and other forms come in. They won’t do that unless your name is on the accepted students list, and the only ones on that list at many schools are those who checked off the block saying they want financial aid. Fin Aid and Admissions are often separate at colleges. </p>