Applying for financial aid at schools with only need based aid

Question:
The college admission advisors at a recent "college night" advised all parents to apply for financial aid even if they felt that they did not qualify for need based aid. What would be the point of that if you were applying to a school that only offered need based aid? Is it possible that the student might qualify for a work-study job to cover the "self-help" portion of their costs even though parental income showed no "need?" Are there other reasons for making that application under these circumstances?

Answer:
-My daughter was offered more than our calculated fafsa/profile need in grant at one need only based college (remember that they figure your need how they want to if it's a private school).. In another college (the one she is currently attending) she was offered a department funded work study ($2500 a year, paycheck made to her every two weeks that she can spend how she wants/needs) as well as her full tuition merit scholarship even though we did not qualify for any government aid. If a school wants you then they will find a way to help you go there. I think everyone (short of multimillionaires) should apply for financial aid. It isn't that hard to do and it opens up other options. Many colleges only give their work study opportunities to people who applied for financial aid. Of course, if you don't want your kid to work on campus during school at all and you don't mind paying full price then don't bother, but it isn't that big a deal to apply. Remember that the total cost of the college is considered which includes room/board/books/personal expenses/ travel home, etc. After adding all this up it comes to a lot more than the stated 'college cost'. Yes, they do ask personal questions, but you are asking for their money!

-The advice from the admission advisor is good. Many families wrongly believe that they won't qualify, when in fact they may be able to receive significant money.

Here's an extreme example: I know one family that sent two children to college and never even applied for aid because a mis-guided friend told them they wouldn't qualify. After paying for two degrees (and mortgaging their life to the hilt) they became my client for the third child. He is going to college practically for free on need-based aid of scholarships, grants, work-study and interest-free loans. As I said, it's an extreme example, but there are so many variables in the equation that no family should arbitrarily decide they won't qualify.

Everyone should apply. The worst that can happen is they find that they really don't qualify, but if they get even a little aid it can make a big difference over the years.