<p>The fact that many schools require a FAFSA or PROFILE in order for a student to be considered for a TALENT or MERIT scholarship is very frustrating. Some very talented students with little or less demonstrated need will get significantly smaller awards. It seems as if some schools determine the merit based on need, which can make the merit award seem to be a need-based award. That is an oxymoron, if the two awards are supposed to be two separate entities.</p>
<p>The only “pure” way to determine if an award is merit only is if there were no financials filed.</p>