<p>Two theories:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Everybody should check the FA box because you may be surprised and qualify for FA despite what your EFC may be. Also it can’t hurt to ask. If you don’t ask (check the FA box) then you will definitively not receive FA. Many of the FA books recommend that everyone should at least ask (check the FA box).</p></li>
<li><p>In these “difficult” financial times some colleges are making their decisions concerning who to admit based on whether you need FA or not. How many, or which ones are a matter for debate.</p></li>
</ol>