There may be an application fee. 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.