<p>I have ran through EFC estimates and Net Price Calculators of several colleges my son applies, and my family doesn't qualify financial aid according to those results. </p>
<p>So, do I still need to file FAFSA? Because according to an experienced parent, if I still file FAFSA this year, when my son becomes a college sophomore next year, he maybe able to apply scholarship if he needs. But if my family doesn't file FAFSA this year, my son won't have that kind of chance in the future.</p>
<p>Any one who can help out here? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I ask this same question and got some good advice. The answer was a resounding maybe. Check out the thread called “is there any reason to file the fafsa with high income.”. I would include the link but I’m a newbie and don’t know how.</p>
<p>The definitive answer is “it depends”. There have been several threads about schools refusing to consider any aid for a student in subsequent years if a freshman FAFSA was not filed. In addition, other threads indicate that a few schools (like by DS’s) with “automatic” merit scholarships also require a FAFSA to get your free money - though the majority don’t. (The supposed reason being to make sure that any Pell or other government money is given.) So, I would recommend that you file, it can’t hurt you and may protect you if a financial reversal should occur in subsequent years. It’s not that bad and is actually a good financial planning exercise - it forces you to promptly file your taxes and prepare a personal balance sheet.</p>
<p>Thank you for help! I will file FAFSA just in case.</p>