It would be easier if the information was consistent from the school itself, MidwestDad3, but each person I contacted has a different answer. First answer was yes, you must fill the forms out (FA person). Second person said we like you to but you can request a FAFSA waiver (Adcom). 3rd person today (FA #2) said it is not necessary for merit aid and I can request FAFSA waiver. So I did… and got a letter back saying:
We encourage all families who are interested in receiving maximum consideration for University grants and scholarships complete both the CSS/Financial Aid Profile (CSS Profile) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Historically, families who filed both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, by the published deadline, qualified on average for an additional $4,000 in gift aid. The outcome depends on individual circumstances, but the data offers good reason to complete both applications.
If you do not plan on filing the CSS Profile and/or the FAFSA, please respond to this e-mail stating your intention. With this information, we will not do any further outreach to your family on the financial aid process."
The last sentence seems to imply no merit aid without FAFSA… so the message has been back and forth.
I guess I will just fill the forms out but thought I’d check here first to see if I could get more info. I am scouring the Fordham threads here as well. I’ve gone to the official source 4 times with varying information so I was still perplexed and puzzled. I have asked this question at many of the college info sessions I have gone to and all of them have said that if only applying for pure merit aid, no financial aid forms are needed.