<p>D is pretty sure where she wants to go. Other than a few merit scholarships, that school's aid amounts, I think both merit and need, come out in March. Would there be any reason to enroll before that time and could it actually hurt the award amount? Not expecting much need-based aid--EFC nearly equal to COA, but sure would like some help. </p>
<p>Also, do all or only some schools publish their aid amounts, i.e. GPA/SAT/ACT = $XX?</p>
<p>Some schools publish merit award charts, but many do not. If she’s been accepted already, most schools do notify either with or shortly after about merit awards unless they’re competitive ones. Truly, it doesn’t sound like need-based aid is likely and if you can afford it and she’d like to attend, it’s probably fine to send in the deposit. If she has backups she’s still waiting to hear from where a great offer would sway her decision, ask the school if the deposit is refundable by May 1st.</p>
<p>Why wouldn’t she do the fafsa before it’s time to enroll in classes? Most schools priority deadlines for FAFSA will be long before it’s time to sign up for classes…</p>
<p>Picking her classes won’t effect her aid amounts at all as long as she is full time. Federal financial aid amounts are based on income, not GPA.</p>
<p>Thanks sk8rmom and fafsa4ever.
She was accepted EA but with no aid. Other EA posters were offered scholarships; school says more (merit?) aid to be announced in early March. Fafsa was filed as soon as it came out: EFC $46K. Waiting to hear from one other after deferred to RD, was very disappointed but not sure if she’ll change mind. Both schools ~$53K COA.</p>
<p>My question is: if she confirms her enrollment and pays the deposit before the March aid is offered, will they assume she’s full-pay and not offer any? The only advantage would be housing priority. Not sure it’s worth it. Deposit is refundable until May 1, then a fraction.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I think it’s a safe bet to assume the school knows people don’t want to spend 53K for a first year undergrad. But I do think you need to accept the fact that she may not be offered anything besides the standard $5,500 in federal Stafford loans. </p>
<p>So if this is doable, then proceed…and perfectly acceptable to you if you have 50K laying around… for four years.</p>