The start of a new year is a great time to think about college and scholarships. One of the most important questions to consider is whether or not the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) affects merit scholarships. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
Most schools don’t require students to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for merit scholarships. However, this is not standard practice. Scholarship policies vary from one college to another. Some colleges may not offer merit aid to students who have not filled out the FAFSA. This is because the FAFSA provides important information about a student’s financial situation, which can be used to determine the amount of merit aid they are eligible for.
At some colleges, the FAFSA is required for all types of financial aid, including merit scholarships. At other colleges, it may only be required for need-based aid. It’s important to research the specific requirements of each college you are considering to determine whether or not the FAFSA is required for merit scholarships.
In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges may also require students to submit additional forms or documents to be considered for merit scholarships. These forms may include the CSS Profile, the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC), or the Noncustodial Parent Waiver.
It’s also important to note that some merit scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria. For example, some merit scholarships may require students to have a certain GPA or to be in the top 10% of their class. In these cases, the FAFSA may not be required.
In summary, the answer to the question of whether or not the FAFSA affects merit scholarships is not a simple one. It depends on the specific requirements of each college and the type of merit scholarship you are applying for. It’s important to research the requirements of each college you are considering and make sure you understand what is required to be eligible for merit scholarships. Doing so will help ensure that you have the best chance of receiving the financial aid you need to make college a reality.
