<p>I went to a free college planning session (read:financial planner looking for new clients) and the man there stated that once you fill out your FAFSA it has a line on it that you list the colleges you are applying to. He CLAIMS that all the colleges you send it to can now see who their competition is and then you may get higher scholorships once they see who they are up against. Is there any validity to this?? He states you should even apply to some like colleges eventhough you have your heart set on one only to give you leverage? Any one know if this FAFSA deal is true and if so, did it get you MORE money after an initial offer? (He alluded to getting new offers not based on real need shown on the FAFSA but more on competition for students).</p>
<p>As far as I'm aware, yes, they can see the schools that are on the submission list with their school. Two years ago my S did receive an amended, higher offer within several weeks after they had received the FAFSA. He had already rec'd the top merit award from this school, but they sent a letter offering additional scholarship. A school with which they were in direct competition (and was known to give better aid) was on the FAFSA list.</p>
<p>I don't know about increased aid being offered, but schools can see what other institutions you have listed on the FAFSA.</p>