I submitted all my Common Apps earlier on in January, but I accidentally said that I didn’t want any financial aid on the form. But now that I’m looking it over, I definitely want to be apply to file my FAFSA. So, is there a way that I can let the colleges know that I’ve changed my mind? Or is it too late?
You definitely need to contact the college. I made the mistake of thinking that the boxes you check on the Common App are not that important; really, this is how universities gauge whether you are even interested in financial aid. Call the admissions office of the school and see if there is any way to change your application. If not, talk to your school’s counselor and see if he has the e-mail address of an admissions representative who you could contact.
Email admissions right away to let them know that you do want to apply for FA. They should allow you to do that. Then get going on the FAFSA, and any other FA paperwork each school’s website asks for.