<p>^^^At least at Vanderbilt, your EFC is not a part of the merit award process for the major (named) awards. You do not have to file any financial aid documents to be considered. You do have to submit a separate scholarship applications nowadays, though. The deadline is approaching.</p>
<p>However, be warned that the policy is different at some schools. Just as one example, there is one merit scholarship at Carnegie Mellon that is reserved for those who do not need financial aid, and I think you have to file the documents to prove that you are not eligible. (Several years old info there, and it might be different now).</p>
<p>Check the web sites of the schools carefully and CALL them if you have questions.</p>