We decided not to do the FAFSA because we are sure that we are not eligible for any need-based aid. However, d’s stats do qualify for merit money at places where it’s offered and she does have one audition-based talent award. The problem is that we are finding out FAFSA is required at some schools to get talent and merit. So far I think that’s the case at Carnegie, NYU, and MSM. Is anyone aware of others that require it as well? If we do it now after we notified some schools that we weren’t doing it, am I supposed to send it to them and just say we changed our mind or can I just do the schools that say we have to? First time through the process so a little behind here and having trouble getting answers. Thanks!
In going through the process with both kids, I have consistently been advised to fill out FAFSA, regardless of whether you will qualify for need based aid. When you fill out FAFSA you can send the info to 10 schools automatically.
Always fill out the FAFSA! It does not take very long and it is better to have filled it out in case it is needed for merit aid rather than to miss out on aid because you didn’t take time to fill it out. We don’t qualify for need-based aid but we get the FAFSA turned in the first day every year (reason being some pools of funds are limited and doled out on a first-come, first - serve basis – so better to have it done to be considered asap than to find out all the funds have been given out by the time you turn in your FAFSA).
And starting this year, you don’t have to wait until January 1st. The FAFSA has been available since October (and uses 2015 income info).
@ourturn2 I would check with each school. They are all dfferent. If you’re in an informational session speak to financial aid person afterward and ask if FAFSA is required for merit. Most the schools we applied to ironically did not and we received merit money. If you wish to apply for work study you will need to fill out FAFSA.
And as a side note , if you already filed your FAFSA don’t forget to add schools to it that you add on later! I totally forgot this and just remembered today to add a late school that my D just applied to. Plus you have to go in and i think delete schools that you’ve already heard from for financial aid to add new schools if you already are at the ten school limit which we are at already and so is probably every MT kid lol
Ok thanks all! I did go online and start it but stopped when it started getting confusing after the tax returns were imported. Gonna have to sit down after Christmas and figure it out but no time now. So you just do 10 schools initially and then go back later and change them if you have over 10?
@ourturn2 yes, exactly. When I did ours I prioritized the first 10 by the ones that she would definitely needs as much of a shot at any kind of scholarship or aid to attend; and left off the in-state tuition schools.
Just have to read the fine print. Neither of my daughters (two diff schools) scholarships required fafsa. Grants generally don’t require fafsa I don’t think.
One of our schools changed policies in the late fall last year, so we did end up having to file the FAFSA in order for D to be eligible for a merit scholarship. After she decided to attend, we were also selected for ‘verification,’ and quite anxious for weeks as D receiving the merit scholarship hinged on having the FAFSA approved. It took multiple phone calls but we eventually reached a coordinator in the financial aid office who helped us get the verification tag taken off.
Work/study can depend on FAFSA, even if you’re not eligible for Pell grants or Stafford Loans.