<p>I’m not sure all schools use FAFSA to screen out unneedy merit kids from needy merit kids. The college counselor at my daughter’s high school urged all students regardless of their parents’ financial status to file for FAFSA, because some schools use FAFSA files, according to her, to identify kids for merit scholarships who care enough about money to at least try. It didn’t make much sense to to me but we filed, even though I was sure we would not qualify for financial aid. Nevertheless, in one school as an example, my daughter received a handsome merit scholarship. Another student from her high school did not apply for FAFSA and got nothing, even though academic and talent were roughly equivalent. What I’m saying isn’t science, but it’s what happened. Take it for what it’s might be worth. FAFSA is relatively easy to fill out and if you use H&R Block for your taxes, they will do it for you for free. So, to my mind, little pain and some potential gain.</p>