<p>Son is a senior. We we are unlikely to get aid based on income. Does it hurt to apply? We will need loans etc. We are hoping for possibly some merit. Son has some high stats, etc. Will it hurt him in admissions to selective schools if we apply for aid even though unlikely to receive?</p>
<p>Some schools need FA applications to process merit-based aid, so it couldn’t hurt. Check out the schools and their policies before deciding. It’s a pain in the neck (and other places! 
) but it might turn out to be worth your time and effort.</p>
<p>If you want your son to take the Stafford loan, you will need to complete a FAFSA. Some schools will want all of their financial aid applications to be completed even for merit aid. AND lastly…and important…some schools will not allow you to APPLY for institutional aid (their money) in subsequent years if you don’t APPLY as an incoming freshman.</p>
<p>Get the info from EACH college…it variesl wildly from school to school.</p>
<p>thanks for the responses. I am thinking it makes sense to apply. I don’t think we will get any aid, and I really hope it doesn’t hurt his chances. I did a little research and it appears that his two Ivy’s (Columbia and Dartmouth) Davdson and Rice are all need blind, so hopefully those are out of the equation with respect to hurting his admissions chances. The other schools that he is applying to are: Williams, Wake, W&L, Vanderbilt, UVA and W&M (and an in state school).
PSAT is 239, current SAT is 1500/2260, top of class… lots of strong leadership, CS, varsity athlete.</p>
<p>Have him apply to USC for their 1/2 tuition National Merit…there are also other schools that give big NMF merit.</p>
<p>However, if you’re fine paying full freight, then just make sure he has a couple of safeties so he still has a choice if the top schools don’t work out.</p>