<p>Didnt read the article, but my advice is not to try and second guess the school.
If you are going to apply for aid, then say so.
While some schools are need aware & may look at need before admission especially if they are a 100% need met school, it doesnt make sense to me to hide need, if you need help to attend.</p>
<p>As far as timeline goes, for example, oldest applied to a private school that met need.
We filed PROFILE by deadline which was in November ( this was for regular decision).
Application for admission was filed shortly after that & FAFSA was filed early January.
We recieved admission packet with aid offer in March.</p>