FAFSA and the CSS Profile

FAFSA INFO

As of Jan 1st, seniors and their families can begin filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  The quickest was to apply is online using FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by going to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov and download a PDF version of the form or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID and request a paper application.  Financial aid offices use information from the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid from grants, loans and work-study programs.  States and schools also use the information from the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for addition aid.  So fill it out even if you don’t think you will qualify!

Get a federal student aid pin.  The PIN allows you to sign your FAFSA electonically.Even if you don’t fill it out online, it is useful because it can be used to access and correct your processed FAFSA information later.  Apply for your pin here.  If  your parents are also providing information of the FAFSA, they must also apply for their own PIN.

The FAFSA on the web worksheet is available here.

Once you have applied, you will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) by e-mail or mail. This will be for any necessary changes or updates.  Once filed, if you don’t hear anything in 3 weeks, follow up by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select “Check the status of the submitted FAFSA or by calling 1800-4-FED-AID.

CSS PROFILE

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application form that is administered through the College Board. You only submit it to colleges that REQUIRE it. If your school requires it, you must submit it in addition to the FAFSA to be considered for full need based aid including institutional funds.  For a list of schools requiring this please click here.