<p>I assume that my son will not qualify for any financial aid base on our income. So I haven't even looked at the FAFSA. Should we fill out a CSS profile? He has applied to a few Ivies and top LAC schools so I know merit aid is not much of an option either. I obviously want to make sure we do what we need to do. But it all seems pretty confusing to me right now as to what is mandatory and what is voluntary. Can anyone help? Thank you</p>
<p>Of course all of it is voluntary!</p>
<p>If you want your child to be able to take out student loans (Stafford Loans) then you need to file the FAFSA.</p>
<p>Some colleges/universities will not consider a student for financial aid in the future despite drastic changes in their financial circumstances if the student doesn’t file the paperwork for the freshman year. If there is any chance that things could change so that your child might need aid in the future, you need to find out what the policies are at each of the places where he is applying.</p>
<p>Some colleges/universities, some private scholarships, and some state aid programs require the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile as part of the merit scholarship application process. Again, check about this with the institutions and organizations that are applicable in your son’s case.</p>