<p>My mom has a lot of money in stocks and bonds so I don't think I'm going to be eligible for anything need-based. Sould I fill out the FAFSA anyway?</p>
<p>Never eliminate yourself. Fill out the fafsa because even if you are applying for merit money, some schools may still require you to file one.</p>
<p>Plus many schools state clearly that if you don't apply for finaid as a freshman you cannot do so in the future.</p>
<p>You know, Thumper, I've heard that as an urban legend, but i've never seen it in print. Do you know what schools say that? We didn't apply this year, but our income may plummet in the next year, and I can't imagine and have not seen in any literature that the school wouldn't consider us (and legally they can't make that determination as far as federal aid.)</p>
<p>when is fafsa due? I dont know when to fill it out</p>
<p>You can start on fafsa on January 1, I believe, and they're usually due by the first few months of the upcoming year. You usually finish it before you hear your application status so you can get your financial aid package at the same time.</p>
<p>At my son's university, you are not eligible for aid unless you apply for it as a freshman. We KNEW we would not qualify for need based aid for DS's first and second year of college. BUT we may qualify when his sister is also in college at the same time. AND at his university, one must also complete the FAFSA annually for awarding and renewal of all MERIT aid. AND if finaid circumstances change during a school year (e.g. parent loses job), you MUST have the FAFSA on file for the university to consider special circumstances and possibly award your child aid for the second semester (for example).</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, Thumper. I'm relatively certain that S's school does not have those stipulations. D's didn't either, we didn't apply one year, did the next, and they didn't have a problem with that. As always, it depends on the school (they're not merit aid schools, so that doesn't come into play.)</p>