Which colleges require the FAFSA for merit-based scholarships?

I'm starting to look into scholarships and someone mentioned that some colleges demand you fill out the FAFSA to be considered for merit-based scholarships. Is this a common practice? And how do I find out which schools have this requirement?

Yes, it’s not unusual for schools to require the FAFSA for merit-based scholarships. This policy is in place because some merit scholarships may have a need-based component, or the school might want to have all financial information on hand in case a student qualifies for additional need-based aid.

To find out which colleges have this requirement, the best starting point is to check each school’s financial aid website. They often have a section for scholarships where they'll state the application process, including any FAFSA requirements.

Moreover, if you have a list of colleges where you're planning to apply, it's totally okay to reach out to their financial aid offices directly via email or phone call to get this information. It's part of their job to help prospective students navigate these kinds of queries.

Lastly, keep in mind that even if it's not required for merit-based scholarships, it's generally a good idea to fill out the FAFSA anyway. You might be surprised by the types of aid you're eligible for, and some schools might even view the completion of FAFSA as demonstrating a thorough and proactive approach to your college prep. Hope this helps, and good luck with your applications!