<p>I'm reading that filing a FAFSA is an indication to schools that you are looking for financial aid and that can affect admissions. If you think that your EFC will be so high that you won't qualify for need-based aid, is it better not to even file the FAFSA at all?</p>
<p>Unless you wany an unsubsidized Stafford, why would you want to? More schools will be need aware next year, although I know it’s not conventional CC wisdom, if I knew I wouldn’t get aid I’d keep as far away from looking like an eventual aid candidate as possible.</p>
<p>i would still file it b/c some schools just need one on file to show you’re documented there and they don’t actually use the info on it for merit-based awards</p>
<p>of course, that depends on the school</p>
<p>Check with the schools but I would consider filing because some merit based aids and non-need grants require the FAFSA/CSS.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you don’t need any money even if offered, save yourself the considerable time and trouble of filling out those forms.</p>
<p>I believe that you can check a box on applications indicating whether you will be requesting need-based aid. That is different than merit aid. One thing to consider would be contacting prospective schools and asking them if you need to file FAFSA and check the “I will be filing for aid” box in order to be eligible for merit aid. If no…don’t check the box. If yes, check it.</p>
<p>That way, need aware schools won’t penalize you for needing aid, but need blind schools might give you merit aid.</p>
<p>Oh, this aid thing is such a PITA!</p>