FAFSA question: which schools to add?

[librarianplanes]

Hi there. Question regarding the FAFSA application:

Only one of my schools has asked that applicants fill out a FAFSA form, even though they intend to fully fund all students through fellowships. FAFSA asks how many schools I'm applying to--should I list them all, or should I only enter the one school that requests I complete the form?

Thanks!

[BeeKayCee]

I don't think there's harm in listing all the schools. Most schools require the FAFSA even for merit scholarships, at least in my experience. You can always add to the list of schools after and submit a change to it, as far as I know there is no harm in that. The ONLY reason that a FAFSA could harm you is if the school is SUPER stingy and you have a ton of money, which the FAFSA would show them. But that just means that you don't qualify for aid from them, and that should never negate you from merit awards/fellowships. 

The one thing to be wary about is that if you ARE applying for federal aid from a particular school and you come from certain states, the order that you list the schools in is actually important on the FAFSA. There should be a link when listing/ordering schools that tells you which states take note of this, and which ones don't care. 

[k_kismet]

I just internet chatted with FAFSA today. I asked if what to do if I'm currently applying, but don't know yet about acceptances/which school I will attend. The woman said to list any/all schools (up to 10 I believe). Also, once you commit to a school, you do not have to go back in and change anything.