<p>Hi,</p>
<p>At this point in time, my family has decided that I would not need financial aid to go to any of my choice schools. With that said, I can check "no" in the Common App box that asks if I need it.</p>
<p>However, because both my parents are involved in a business that could potentially go wrong at any moment, it is possible that I'll need help later along in the path (maybe even freshman year, if it gets bad). </p>
<p>Would it still be possible to apply for aid once I get into the school? Or do they go back and check if I said I requested it during my application? If so, I probably should check "yes" just in case right?</p>
<p>Thanks a bunch</p>
<p>I'm wondering about that too, so free bump</p>
<p>a merry christmas bump? :D</p>
<p>no. you must apply for financial aid this year. first off, there is no reason not to. It won't affect your chances. second, you must apply for financial aid each consecutive year to be eligible for subsequent years. If you don't apply this year, you will never be able to apply. If you forget to apply any year, you will never be able to apply for any year after that</p>
<p>JohnC -- that is not necessarily true. Each school has different policies regarding the awarding of FA. Contact the individual schools you are interested in and see if they will award FA for future years if you don't need it/don't file for it this year.</p>
<p>As far as FA for this coming school year -- if you won't qualify now, it is highly unlikely that you will qualify if you need to file for FA this fall or spring. The figures they base FA on are the 2007 figures -- and those won't have changed, even if business is bad. Assets will still be in place and considered available.</p>
<p>I will warn you -- if your parents own a business and have assets, even if business is bad and the income decreases, you may not qualify for much FA. They also look at the assets (including business assets) whan determining how much your family can afford to pay.</p>