<p>There should be an estimation form online by now. It will give you an EFC - you compare that to COA for the schools you’re looking at to see if you would potentially qualify for ‘need based’. Then fill out the FAFSA in January for the official copy to be sent to the schools by them.</p>
<p>Personally, we get hammered by the formulas - but some people don’t - it depends where your money is versus just the amount. If you fill out the estimation forms, you can then decide for yourself whether you need to file. Friends of ours never filed - his EFC was so high it only served as a paper trail for the govt. (it is tied to income tax forms). There is no advantage to file if your EFC is above COA. If a scholarship requires FAFSA it is usually need based, you either qualify or you don’t.</p>