I have heard that SCEA applicants can fill out the CSS, FAFSA, and IDOC after they get accepted. Just to confirm: is this permissible? All Harvard says on their website is that they “accept late applications.” I have no clue how late is too late. I have have yet to fill out my financial aid forms.
For Harvard yes, you can fill out financial aid forms AFTER being accepted – that’s true in the SCEA and RD round. (Some kids taken off the waitlist, for example, complete their financial aid forms in May, June and July.)
However, that is NOT true for all colleges; most schools have strict deadlines that occur before RD notifications – and if you miss those deadlines, you miss-out on financial aid for the year. But, as I said, that’s not for Harvard (or Yale and Princeton).