<p>Can anyone please explain to me what the profile is, how it is different from the FAFSA, and what happens if I miss the deadline? </p>
<p>There are about 300 colleges that use the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for institutional need based aid…money given by the college. </p>
<p>The FAFSA is largely used to determine your eligibility for federally funded need based aid…like the Pell Grant, SEOG.</p>
<p>What happens if you miss the Profile deadline for a college,that requires this form? Simple…you might not get institutional aid…at all. OR you might get your aid package but not in a timely fashion to make your matriculation decision. OR you might be considered for aid after all of the folks who submitted on time…if there is any money left.</p>
<p>Best advice…do NOT miss the deadlines…period. You have much to potentially lose.</p>
<p>It is an application required by some colleges to be considered for their institutional aid. Read for yourself…</p>
<p><a href=“CSS Profile Home – CSS Profile | College Board”>CSS Profile Home – CSS Profile | College Board;
<p><a href=“CSS Profile Home – CSS Profile | College Board”>College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools;
<p>FAFSA is required for federal financial aid.</p>
<p>If you missed the deadline, you might not receive aid.</p>
<p>Hope this helps. : )</p>
<p>Thank you both!</p>