<p>With an income in the mid-six figures, I'm positive that no one will think our son should get need based aid. Can we just not fill out the FAFSA? Will schools be more reluctant to offer merit aid if we don't file a FAFSA?</p>
<p>I did, the offers came with admission packages, private schools, some better than others, but had not filled out FAFSA at that point when the offers were made.</p>
<p>We were in the same (fortunate) financial boat, and didn't fill out a FAFSA, nevertheless our D got a generous merit offer from a top 50 LAC.</p>
<p>I admit that I haven't even looked at an application form in 30 years. I read the post of some senior who said he/she had checked the wrong box and wondered if it can be remedied. There is apparantly a box (on the common app form?) that says something like "I am applying for financial aid." Does that mean need based aid only?</p>
<p>For most, if not all, schools the little box means need-based aid.</p>
<p>My son received a very large merit award (full tuition and fees) from a school to which we did not submit fa documents.</p>
<p>However, some schools do require submission of financial aid forms even for merit awards. You need to check with the individual schools.</p>