<p>D is applying EA to a few colleges and one of the questions on the app is "will you be applying for Financial Aid?" Now we've done the EFC estimators on line and chances are likely we will not get need-based aid, so we are hoping for the best possible merit aid. The schools D is applying to generally fit the bill of being generous to the top applicant pool, which hopefully she will be in.</p>
<p>My question is, does it hurt or help with merit aid, if you check off that you will be applying for financial aid. I've read several times you shouldn't assume no need based aid, that even though EFC is high, you should still apply. At the same time, I don't know if it would decrease the potential merit aid, if any :-), if school thinks we might also be eligible for need based. </p>
<p>You know, I've been wondering the same thing.</p>
<p>I asked my d's guidance counselor about this. She said that it is not supposed to effect merit aid, BUT some schools do want some kids who aren't applying for any aid at all - and they will accept a lesser applicant because of it.</p>
<p>BUT, the g.c. said that though schools say they don't, they do give out more aid to the early birds. She said if schools are on rolling admission, apply as soon as you can. For those who have early action, apply if it's one of your top choices.</p>
<p>I really don't think applying for financial aid affects merit aid. As a matter of fact, many schools offer need-based merit scholarships. I applied for financial aid at all my colleges (definitely needed) and received merit scholarships from Chicago, JHU, and Wake Forest. I think financial aid and merit aid decisions are made separately at most colleges, but I'm not entirely sure.</p>
<p>You never really know how these things can really affect you in a specific school situation, but the word on the street is to go on ahead and apply for financial aid. At some schools more kids do not qualify for aid than those who do. It will not affect admissions just to mark you are applying, even if the school is need aware. The school looks to see what the need is in that case. Sometimes it can even help you to apply because there can be grants thats require FAFSA to get, but not need. Also some schools have merit within need parameters. I have seen scholarship matrices that include income ranges that would not qualify for much financial aid, but coupled with excellent stats would make the student eligible for very nice merit money.</p>