If a school offers need-based aid, it is asking: How much can your family actually pay? If it offers merit-based aid, it is asking: Why should we reward this applicant? 🎓 Mixing these up wastes time.

1. For need-based schools, prepare money evidence early 💸
Know your family income, assets, household size, unusual expenses, and whether the college needs CSS Profile, its own form, or tax documents.

2. For merit-based schools, hunt for the selection trigger 📌
Is it automatic by GPA/test score? Separate application? Interview? Essay? Honors program? Deadline earlier than admission?

3. Build 2 columns for every university ✅
Need aid rules and Merit rules. A school can have both, but one usually drives your strategy more. If you need big funding, don’t call a small merit award a real affordability plan.