<p>I don’t think there is anything wrong with an ED application (D applied ED), but you must be comfortable with need-based aid predicted by FAFSA AND have an uncomplicated financial profile. If your parents are salaried workers, only own one home, have limited assets (you can look up the FAFSA protection limits which vary by parent age) you are uncomplicated. If parents own a business, have a farm, have a vacation home, have substantial savings, etc. you need to be careful. If you have a college fund or a trust or… you may not get the “predicted” aid. </p>
<p>Also be aware that any merit scholarships you earn will reduce the loans and work study first, but then reduce need-aid. Your family must be comfortable paying your EFC and you must be ok with the loans and work study. Merit aid doesn’t reduce EFC UNLESS it exceeds the FAFSA</p>