<p>The "Planning to apply for financial aid" box that is.</p>
<p>Forgive me if this has already been asked, but this is my situation:</p>
<p>My family is boderline for qualifying for aid money. My older sister didn't get any, but it's more likely that i'll qualify since i would be the second kid my parents are paying for.</p>
<p>My dad has said he could manage my tuition with out recieveing financial aid. However, if there is no disadvantage, he wants me to check the "Planning to apply" box.</p>
<p>So is there a disadvantage? My dad's main concern is that if i don't check the box, they will be biased against me even for merit scholarships (because they may think i have no need for it, regardless of my qualifications). Is this true?</p>
<p>Also, people on this board have mixed feelings about whether checking the box hurts you in general.</p>
<p>What would you do?</p>