Check with the college. Usually when they want a FAFSA for merit aid it is because there is also a NEED component.
It appears you don’t have financial need…right?
The FAFSA you do THIS year is for this year only. You will need to do it again…and again for subsequent years. It’s a one year form. The college isn’t going to keep the 2019-2020 FAFSA “on file” for subsequent years.
And since you still haven’t mentioned your state…look again at my comment about uva, Michigan and UNC-CH. these require the Profile. The FAFSA doesn’t mean spit to them. Or are there specific scholarships that specifically mention the FAFSA.
My kid was an engineering major. Because of the course requirements, it would have been impossible for her to graduate early. Check that also. Engineering has a very firm sequence…and it’s not flexible at all.
My same kid applied for a couple of scholarships that required the FAFSA. We had NO financial need and she didn’t get any of them. She was otherwise well qualified to receive them.
You mentioned that some other schools beside your flagship came in with good merit aid. Perhaps one of those will rise to the top.