<p>Is there anywhere I could look at a CSS calculator / form sample online? You know how there are online EFC calculators where it's like a sample FAFSA and you fill in your numbers to see an estimate of the EFC? I need something similar for the CSS. Thanks!</p>
<p>finaid.org has a calculator that can figure the federal or the institutional EFC
( approx)</p>
<p>One point about home value, from personal experience. My son applied EA to a private school which required CSS. When the financial aid estimate came back, our EFC including a substantial amount attributable to our home equity. I wrote a letter to the financial aid office explaining why I thought is was inappropriate to include home equity in our EFC, and when the final aid offer arrived, the home equity component was removed. Your mileage may vary.</p>
<p>When I originally wrote the question in this thread, I was thinking of erring on the side of a conservative estimate for financial prudence since the parameters of the questions allowed such an intepretation and it might allow for a better FA package.</p>
<p>Now, as I percolate more of what is going on in the admission process, it seems that if I want to give more of an upward 'push' to my student's chances, I may as well err on the side of reporting wild home equity wealth. This might better my child's chances for admission ( :) ) but wd be bad for our fiscal health ( :( ). I'll probably just be 'reasonable'.</p>