<p>D has audition early December and if I get the FAFSA and CSS done prior then (if she gets accepted) will get the benefit of knowing the complete package. I was wondering if there was any benefit to knowing the merit package without the need package. I have some concern that we will not qualify for much on the need side and wondered how that might impact what is offered on the merit side (from conservatory). I hope that explanation is clear. Thanks for any insight.</p>
<p>I think I understand what you are asking. I believe that merit aid will affect need aid but not the other way around. As an undergrad we did not qualify for any need, but D did get substantial merit (approx 10,000 to 22,000/year) and that was before we submitted FAFSA. Does that answer your question? Gosh I’m glad that it’s all her responsibility now!</p>
<p>Based on some of your other posts and the timing of this audition, I am guessing that we are talking about Oberlin Early Review here. If that is the case, you will probably want to submit the FAFSA and CSS at some point relatively early in the process. Oberlin comes up with some fairly generous aid packages, even for some students who come from relatively high income families, particularly in circumstances where there is more than one child in college. Check out the numbers at [Oberlin</a> College :: Office of Financial Aid :: Overview](<a href=“http://www.oberlin.edu/financialaid/overview/commitment.html]Oberlin”>http://www.oberlin.edu/financialaid/overview/commitment.html) if you have not already done so. Even if you do not submit them before the audition, I suggest you get the forms in as soon as possible to get the best shot at need-based money. If you wait until the financial aid deadline, a good chunk of the available funds may already be spoken for.</p>
<p>Musicamusica is correct that the need-based aid will not affect the merit scholarship there. That is calculated only on the basis of the audition and what voices/instruments the Conservatory most needs to attract, and they do not need FAFSA/CSS data to provide the merit numbers.</p>
<p>The amount of the merit scholarship is taken into account when calculating need-based aid, though. That does not mean that they are giving with one hand and taking away with the other, because they first reduce loans and work-study as much as possible before touching the grants.</p>
<p>I do not believe you can complete next year’s forms until January 1st. Unless I am missing something there is no place to start those yet. Only the 2009-2010 school year is up right now.</p>
<p>Thanks all! I have filled out the “practice form” so hopefully I can get it input this Saturday. I appreciate your experience!</p>