Some students, in addition to the FAFSA, also have to fill out the CSS profile. The CSS Profile is the College Scholarship Service Profile application. Not all colleges require this form. Around 700 in the U.S. will require the student to submit the CSS Profile. This form is similar to the FAFSA in that it asks about family income and assets. It’s different from the FAFSA in that it goes into much more detail than the FAFSA form.
I’ve assisted families with CSS Profiles and the key to getting this form completed is to be prepared. I cannot stress this enough. The CSS Profile will ask many financial and asset questions and if you’re not prepared with that information it will become very frustrating, very quickly. The CSS Profile is not a difficult form, it’s just very detailed and you need to go into it prepared, with a clear mind and clear schedule because it can take a few hours.
This form is only for the college’s eyes. The federal department of education has nothing to do with this form. The college will use this information to get a full picture of the student’s family and their finances and will determine academic aid based on the information provided. For more information on the CSS Profile go to www.collegeboard.org. If you’d like assistance with the CSS Profile you can call us at 877-272-4692 or go to www.icansucceed.org/apt to schedule an appointment.
Lupe - ICAN Coralville and Davenport Centers
