<p>Are we talking merit scholarships from colleges/universities here, or outside merit scholarships? I am trying to get the answer to the question posted by OP but only for the scholarships not awarded by the college. </p>
<p>So far, my search led me to believe that if they are asking for profile or FAFSA, they the scholarship is not really merit-based, but rather merit/need based, and it will not be awarded to those who has EFC above the COA (our case). So as of today, we are not going to fill out FAFSA.</p>
<p>If I am wrong, please post any examples when merit PRIVATE scholarship was awarded despite not being qualified for FA, with or without FAFSA.</p>