<p>would i have to mention that in my essays or would they know just by looking at CSS profile?</p>
<p>They will know it by looking at your financial aid applications with the CSS Profile and/or FAFSA data.</p>
<p>If you’re applying to selective colleges that actively recruit low-income students, it’s worth thinking about using one of your essays (or an optional essay) to give some context. Your FAFSA will make it clear that you’re low-income, but there might be a lot more to the story than that. If you’re responsible for caring for siblings, or if you have to work and part of your paycheck goes to your family’s rent, then that provides a lot of context about your life and your studies.</p>