<p>Many colleges have requirements in addition to submission of FAFSA and CSS Profile. For example, Beloit sends a separate financial aid form to applicants; the University of Chicago has a separate form online; and Smith has a separate form. Pomona requires applicants to submit 2009 returns and copies of W-2 forms as well as 2010 returns and W-2s. Some schools will let you know if they need to see your submitted tax returns; others require copies. As a person who has been tripped by deadlines and requirements, I highly recommend that the parent or child spend time today finding this information for all colleges the child has applied to. Also, deadlines for submission of CSS, FAFSA, and tax returns vary. One school that my daughter is applying to has a January 15 deadline.</p>
<p>^You’re right – I’m just realizing now how complicated this process is. FAFSA and CSS are like the common app – you think you’re done once you’ve filled out the standardized form, but then you discover that each school has a “supplement” (additional requirements). They definitely don’t make it easy!</p>
<p>Most important…check the DEADLINES and do not miss them. These will vary wildly from school to school. It is best to submit these earlier than the due dates…you never know when there will be a computer snafu on that final day for submission.</p>