<p>I know nothing about the financial aid process. I'm planning on talking with my counselor tomorrow at school, but I'm not exactly sure she'll have the answers either. </p>
<p>So, I probably won't qualify for any need-based aid. My parents insisted I check "not applying for financial aid" on my common app. But then, I heard you have to apply for it anyway, if you want to be considered for merit aid ? </p>
<p>And... you fill the forms out online and then send them to all your schools?</p>
<p>no, tho i could be wrong, but merit (scholarship ) aid has nothing to do with applying (FAFSA) for financial aid. most schools automatically give it out at time of acceptance, merit that is, if you qualify. i think you're confusing need -based application with the hope of getting MERIT based.</p>
<p>Som schools do require that FAFSA be filed for consideration even for non-need-based, merit aid. But most do not. Before you decide not to apply for FA, check with your colleges and find out if you need to file FAFSA for merit aid.</p>