Checking that you are applying for FA even when you are full pay?

Applying to College
1

<p>My parents know that we will most probably be full pay at all the schools we are applying to (income >250k), and that is fine, they have told me that they can afford to pay 4 years at any school, they even said they could afford NYU. They still want to apply for FA though in the hopes that maybe somehow we will get something, which I know is ridiculous, but they seem pretty dead-set on it. </p>

<p>I know from reading here on CC that applying for FA at schools that are not need-blind puts you at a disadvantage, but does that disadvantage kick in as soon as you click the box on the CA? Or does it kick in when they calculate your need? Also, my mom thinks that you need to fill out the FAFSA whether you are applying for FA or not. Is this true? That wouldn't seem to make a lot of sense to me.</p>

<p>Thank you so much! </p>

2

<p>That should not have any impact whatsoever. If the FAFSA and CSS reports show that your family can pay the full amount anywhere, the schools will not consider you for financial aid. The paperwork is a headache, but it’s worth doing, and you have to submit it for loans and even for some merit packages. Very few colleges promise to meet all need, and many are not need-blind. If your family is able to pay the full freight, they will be asked to do so at most places. If, for example, you are a high-EFC household (as mine is) of over $50k per year, it can’t hurt to ask. Some colleges will try to meet your EFC; others won’t. </p>

3

<p>If you are not applying for FA, then you do NOT need to fill out the FAFSA.</p>