<p>I’m applying/have applied this year to what would be considered mostly top-tier university’s including: University of Chicago EA, Brown, Reed, Oberlin, Williams, and a couple other undecided. I’m currently working on the CSS profile and U of Chicago’s own financial aid form. I am in foster care AKA ward of the court, so I am independent and my EFC is 0. However on the forms it asks for estimates in scholarships. Honestly I have no idea, I have applied for some but do not know if I will receive any. Should I put 0 down? Or should I put something down? Thanks!</p>
<p>Put down zero as you don’t have any scholarships at this point in time. Also, since FA is often limited and is on a first come, first served basis, it’s better to error on the side of getting a better FA package. Then if final corrections show you got some outside scholarships, they can reduce your package as appropriate.</p>
<p>Thank you! I’ll do just that. That’s what I was thinking, but I didn’t want to end up having my package revoked or something.</p>
<p>As long as you make a reasonable effort to report your finances at the time you fill out the estimate, you won’t have a problem. Schools know that things change and won’t have a problem with giving you less FA if you get outside scholarships, it’ll just free up some money for other students.</p>