Would a College ever require a CSS if you are only applying for merit aid not need based? Most websites are unclear so I have been calling DD’s schools. So far all have said no but I’m not sure whether I’m missing something.
If they say no…then the answer is no. But read the requirements for each scholarship. Some have a need component…and will require the forms for the colleges to determine that.
The answer would depend on the school as well as the scholarship. For example, UMich does not require CSS profile or FAFSA for most freshmen merit scholarships, but there are still scholarships that has a need component and require them.
@billcsho Does UMich give freshman merit scholarships? I heard they didn’t. (Asking because my son still talks about applying there before the deadline.)
@MFHP96 Of course UMich has scholarships for freshmen and are renewable for 4 years. However, they are very competitive and only around 2% of the 15000 admitted students would receive the large merit scholarships. But if your son has not applied EA, he has basically missed the chance. Nevertheless, they also provide very good need based aids. You should check out their NPC to see if it is affordable.