Top Law Schools

Will the school tell me they require Need Access or do I just fill it out anyways like the FAFSA?

Thanks

Go to each school's website and find the Financial Aid information. Some will require Need Access, and some won't. Some may also have a separate (online or paper) scholarship/financial aid application.

If you know you won't qualify for need based aid there's no reason to fill it out. I would say if your parents gross $250k plus a year, don't waste your time on it, you won't be getting anything. Although the actual number might be even lower depending on the school, that's just a safe bet.

Some schools (Duke and USC come to mind) ask you to fill out specific applications for merit aid even if you're not considering need based aid. In these cases, just fill out these forms (usually involves just a signature) and send them back.

On the other hand, if schools say "we automatically consider all applicants for merit aid" or something to that effect, don't bother with the need based form if you know you won't qualify.

duckmoney wrote:If you know you won't qualify for need based aid there's no reason to fill it out. I would say if your parents gross $250k plus a year, don't waste your time on it, you won't be getting anything. Although the actual number might be even lower depending on the school, that's just a safe bet.

Some schools (Duke and USC come to mind) ask you to fill out specific applications for merit aid even if you're not considering need based aid. In these cases, just fill out these forms (usually involves just a signature) and send them back.

On the other hand, if schools say "we automatically consider all applicants for merit aid" or something to that effect, don't bother with the need based form if you know you won't qualify.

Some schools (Northwestern comes to mind) give out all aid on a combined merit/need basis. NU requires FAFSA, Need Access AND a supplemental application with two essays to consider you for any money whatsoever. Even a rich kid has to fill out everything if they want any chance at merit money.

Basically, RTFM and follow the instructions provided by each school.