change in decision to apply for financial aid

Hi,

My son applied for under grad. at Johns Hopkins, initially we didn’t apply for financial aid as family friend who recently graduated from there suggested we will not qualify. When he submitted application form, he selected “NO” for the question for financial aid if we intend to apply.
Later on we found in order to apply for merit base, it’s same process. We have to apply for need base. Is it ok to apply now although initially he denied in the application form? Should he inform admission officer after applying for financial aid ?

Please advice,
Thanks

This is from the JHU website. Did you speak to someone there who told you that you are required to comolete5)4 need based financial aid forms to receive merit aid?

If not…call and clarify this.

Following answer from FAQ of JHU

Are merit-based scholarships available?

Yes. While financial need is the primary basis of financial aid at Hopkins, all applicants who apply to JHU are automatically considered for several merit-based scholarships including the Hodson Trust Scholarship and the Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering. No special application is necessary, and students are notified of their status as upon admission. Hopkins offers a limited number of incentive grants to recipients of the four-year Army and Air Force ROTC scholarships.

So what makes you think you need to apply for need based aid to get merit aid???

@ESAmin