<p>So back in whenever, I filled out all my applications, and checked that no, I did not need need-based financial aid, because it would help my chances and we're pretty well off. Well my dad changed careers (on purpose, he was not laid off) from a lawyer to a rabbi (quite a big income change) and the stock market really started sucking (where all of our money is). So my dad started freaking out about money, and had me apply for the FAFSA and CSS. After completing that, I realized tonight that I had checked the "I will not apply for need-based finaid" boxes on my apps. Will this hurt my chances? What should I do? If possible, I'd rather not get finaid and be judged as if I wasn't getting any than to be judged harsher by adcoms.</p>
<p>Depend on the college. Many will not consider you for aid unless you call and tell them things have changed. They're getting many such calls this year.</p>
<p>If the schools you applied to are need aware, asking for aid will impact the decision. At need blind schools it would not but you need to tell them.</p>
<p>I think you have to contact your schools and ask them if its ok to switch to needing aid, if you submitted the FAFSA. </p>
<p>If your colleges are need blind, needing aid will not really affect you. Where are you applying.</p>
<p>A lot of schools: Brown, Cornell, CMU, HMC, Stanford, Middlebury, WashU, Uchicago, Duke, MIT, Dartmouth, and Tufts</p>
<p>You will not be considered for aid unless you inform them. This is a tough year, it's hard to believe these schools can offer aid later to those who apply for it after acceptance. Their probable stance would be to tell you that you can apply for aid next year at most, but schools like Brown that have no aid for transfers may not allow that.</p>
<p>And remember, aid for this year is based on last year's earnings though they may take new circumstances into consideration.</p>