<p>If you include your ACT/ SAT scores that would help. Are you a NMF? Have you calculated your EFC using a FAFSA calculator, what is it? In what state do you live? What year are you in high school? Do you have an idea of your intended major? If you have high SAT/ ACT scores you may want to look into schools that give guaranteed merit aid for your stats. If you live in a state that has a program like Bright Futures or Hope you may qualify for state grant money as well as federal depending on your EFC/ GPA/ test scores…each state will have different eligibility rules for state programs. </p>
<p>Most schools that meet full need require the student to complete a form (or forms) in addition to the FAFSA. FAFSA only ask for the income/ assets of the custodial parent (and I believe custodial step parent… meaning the spouse of the parent with who you live most of the time or who provides most of your financial support). Schools that require additional forms (often the Profile) will also usually ask for non-custodial parent (and step parent) info. And may look at home equity. Schools that meet full need basically get to determine what they believe your full demonstrated need to be. This number is often (but not always) higher than the FAFSA EFC. The FAFSA EFC is mainly used to determine eligibility for Federal aid.</p>
<p>Other information that would be helpful is if any of your parents or step parents are self employed or have rental properties.</p>
<p>There is a lot on information on the threads on this forum that you may find helpful as well.</p>
<p>This could be a good place to start: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/848226-important-links-automatic-guaranteed-merit-scholarships.html?highlight=merit[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/848226-important-links-automatic-guaranteed-merit-scholarships.html?highlight=merit</a></p>