I know people have probably asked this question before, but I really need a quick answer. So here goes:

Does it make any difference for grad. financial aid whether you file fafsa as a dependent or not? In other words, everything else being the same would it affect your EFC if you parents claim you as a dependant. How big a difference would it make?

For a health professional graduate student it won't make a difference. Some schools require you to include the information though. Check with the individual school.

Most of the med schools I was accepted to told
me to they I must file as "independent" for
FAFSA. You only include your parents' information
if you want to be considered for the Primary Care
Loan, but most financial aid offices discourage
1st years from commiting to that loan until
your 3rd year.

Hence, I didn't include my parents information
on FAFSA, since you're considered as independent

Hope this helps.

With two exceptions, the 20 odd schools I applied to last year required parental info if I wanted to be considered for any school based loans, scholarships or grants. There's no reason not to include it, and if you notice, when you file the FAFSA, you are considered independant, but can still choose to include parental info, which isn't included in your EFC.

So, yes, you should include it, unless all you want are stafford loans.