No FAFSA nor CSS Profile for Merit-based Scholarship?

Paying for College
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There had been several discussions related to CSS profile and merit-based scholarship, but they all have been closed.
After receiving an email response from WashU, I felt I had to share this with others who may have similar questions as I did.

My daughter submitted regular decision applications to several schools that require CSS profile in their financial aid websites or financial aid applications. She did not check the box “Apply financial aid” in her common app as our income level does not qualify for any need-based scholarships. However, we still completed FAFSA application per her high school counselor’s suggestion.

As the deadline for CSS profile application is nearing, I asked one of the schools whether CSS profile is really needed if my daughter is qualified for only merit-based scholarships that do not consider her financial situation. Note that some merit scholarships do consider the financial level.

Here is an answer from WashU and I’ve decided not to fill out CSS profile. I am not encouraging people not to fill out as they may be qualified for some need-based scholarship, but if you are not applying for financial aid in the common app and are not qualified for need-based scholarships, you should check with your schools first. CSS profile application is a time-consuming process.

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Thank you for your email. If you are not interested in applying for need-based financial aid, you do not need to submit the FAFSA or Profile form. If she has submitted the FAFSA, but not the profile form, then she will continue to receive reminders that her need-based financial aid application is incomplete. If you are not going to be applying for need-based aid, then feel free to disregard these reminders.

Merit awards are given to students regardless of financial need. All students are considered for academic divisional merit scholarships with their supplemental essay submission and the decisions are made by faculty committees. The deadline for the premier merit awards is January 2nd and you can visit our Admissions website to view the various awards that are available. https://admissions.wustl.edu/financial-aid/scholarships

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I don’t see why the CSS profile would ever be required for a merit award. CSS Profile is used to determine need-based aid from institutional funds. The reason some colleges require the Fafsa for merit aid is because the want to see if the student is eligible for a Pell grant.

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@brantly

When my kid attended Boston University, he received a music performance merit award that was totally merit based on his audition. At that time, BU required the submission of the FAFSA and Profile before they would disburse the merit award. At that time, this was required for all merit award recipients. Freshman year only.

@bds61821 your info about Wash U tells what Wash U does.

To others…check the policies at YOUR colleges. Most merit awards do not usually require submission of rhe financial aid application forms…but SOME do. Better safe than sorry…so check your colleges, as well as the specific scholarships.