<p>Just a random question.</p>
<p>If you don't want financial aid, you just say "no" where it asks if you'll be needing it, right?
And if that's the case, do you still need to submit FAFSA and CSS profiles anyway?
Like do colleges want them anyway even if you say you don't need aid?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Generally speaking if you want to be considered for any kind of aid --whether based on need or merit-- or you want to have the option to take out any federal loans --subsidized or unsubsidized-- or you want to have the potential of picking up some workstudy funds... then you'll need to file the FAFSA, and in the case of colleges that require it, the CSS Profile. Most advisors will tell you to file the FAFSA anyway even if you don't expect to get any aid because there may be merit grants available to you (not need based, but still often need to file the FAFSA to get them) or because you just never know if your circumstances might suddenly change and you need to access some funds in the form or grants or loans. And you want to make sure to get it filed by the specific colleges' deadlines.</p>
<p>That said, I know you are concerned that appearing to need aid might effect your chances of acceptance at some colleges, so I would say when you submit you Common App you do not check the box stating that you are applying for aid, or answer "no" if there is a question like that. Nonetheless you can file the FAFSA as a matter of form by the Regular Decision due date for it. Just talk the FA office at the individual colleges and tell them you don't anticipate needing any aid based on financial need, but do they think it would be prudent to file a FAFSA nonetheless?</p>
<p>If you are certain that you won't need any kind of federal financial assistance, you can forego the process. Just remember that you need to file a FAFSA to get an unsubsidized loan even though it's not technically need based. Our school also <em>requires</em> it for PLUS loans (although when push comes to shove, we can't actually "require" it - but we want to make sure the families understand that they can borrow an unsub loan, which they don't always realize). For an alternative loan (private) you don't need to file a FAFSA at all. You'll need to have it certified by your school, but you won't have to go through the FAFSA/Profile process.</p>
<p>That was great information, thanks!</p>