<p>I know this doesn't sound like the best idea, but, in theory, could you answer no to the "Do you intend to pursue need-based financial aid?" on the Common App and still apply for Financial Aid through FAFSA in January? I am applying Early Decision to the school and will hear in early/mid December? Does answering no on the Common App disallow me from applying through FAFSA?</p>
<p>Sure, you can fill out a FAFSA. Any school that uses the FAFSA only (no Profile, no school form) isn’t going to meet your full need anyway. If they accept you ED without aid because you SAY you aren’t applying for aid…you can be guaranteed to get the $5500 Direct Loan…and any part of a Pell Grant to which you are entitled…and that’s it. The school wouldn’t need to give you a dime more.</p>
<p>What good is an acceptance to a school if you need financial aid to attend…and risk not getting any institutional aid.</p>
<p>If you need aid, check YES.</p>
<p>If you are limiting your aid to what you can get from the government without the school giving you any of their funds or funds they “bought” from the government, you don’t have to let admissions know at all, and can apply for PELL, Direct Loans, some state funds by their deadlines. Be aware however that you aren’t going to get a sanctioned release from the ED contract if you don’t apply for fin aid without some extenuating circumstance. </p>
<p>Please correct me if I’m wrong. </p>
<p>It sounds like you want to apply ED, and not request financial aid…because you feel that will give you an admissions edge. BUT then you plan to apply for need based financial aid later on in the process…because you actually need it.</p>
<p>Is that your plan? If so, I would suggest you jettison this plan. </p>