The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form was created. You can get it at your high school or college, you will still send it to a processing firm to calculate your Expected Family Contribution. There is no processing charge. However, many colleges will still require a supplemental aid application. Parents continue to pay the largest percentage of overall college costs.
Many colleges continue to have a short-fall of students.
Colleges will compete if they want you, especially against schools of similar academic ratings. If you are a strong student you may get the best package at a slightly less selective school.