I’ve been reading to file FAFSA early…is there also a benefit to filing the CSS early?
The earliest deadline for CSS schools on my son’s list is Feb. 1st.
Unless I’m mistaken, FAFSA is first come first serve I believe? It’s in your best interest to fill this out as early as possible, otherwise you may not get (appropriate) aid even if you qualify.
I would think that school based aid would be distributed much like the FAFSA , and once funds are gone they’re gone.
Thank you. Another CSS question - can schools see other schools we’ve sent it to?
I know FAFSA says schools can’t see it on FAFSA starting this year, but how about CSS? I can’t find that info anywhere.
Only for limits per campus funded programs like SEOG and federal work study. The early bird is the way to go if you qualify for,these as there is limited funding per campus for these monies.
But for Direct loans…no early deadline. And if you are eligible for the Pell Grant, you will get it whenever you apply.
I don’t recommend turning it in until you’ve done your taxes. Unlike the FASFA, you can’t update the CSS after you’ve submitted it to a school.
Many state grants and programs are also first come first served. See the first page of the paper FAFSA for state-by-state information.
@NCmom14 Some of the schools have a 2/1 deadline for CSS. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be possible to wait until taxes are filed since we won’t have all our docs yet.
It depends if you’re applying for college admission or are a returning student. My D applied and was accepted ED in 2014 for the class of 2019, but as a returning undergraduate, her due date for financial aid document submission is May 15 (her college commits to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated need). The college requires submission of tax returns via IDOC so there doesn’t seem to be a reason to submit the CSS Profile early for us.
There is a disparity in income from 2014 to 2015. When would I be able to submit tax documents to confirm my updated financial situation?
You should be able to figure your 2015 income pretty closely from the last paystub or at least W2 that should arrive sometime in January.
I do believe CSS profile can be corrected but not as easily online as FAFSA.
I think you have to make changes on a printout of profile and then mail it to schools.
I am not sure if schools can see where else you apply with CSS profile, but since you have to pay to send it to each school individually I doubt it. I hope someone more familiar with it can chime in.