<p>My experience with my own kids and dozens of others I’ve helped is that if you check the NO box on the Common Application asking whether you plan to file for financial aid, you will not be asked to fill out any finaid forms. I’m talking about dozens of colleges across the selectivity spectrum. No one can “make” you fill out the forms if you have no intention of asking for aid, and your child will still be awarded merit aid if he/she is eligible.</p>