<p>Hi --</p>
<p>I noticed that, while the FAFSA deadline is after Jan. 1, most colleges require applicants to submit their CSS profile before their earliest application deadline. IOW, an ED applicant has to send in that info by November. </p>
<p>In our case, however, since these forms would be utilizing two different tax years, I foresee a drastic difference in the numbers (and the inevitable family contribution amount). (i.e. the 2003 tax year is not typical of our general financial status). Would there be any downside to submitting the CSS Profile late, i.e. at the same time as FAFSA? IOW, would it have a negative effect on my child's application, or merely mean we wouldn't get a tentative financial aid offer along with the ED letter in December?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Since you are applying ED, the down side to not submitting the profile is that you may not have *any aid * when the decision comes in december. Your son's application could also be incomplete regarding the financial aid component and not be considered at all.</p>
<p>At schools that use the CSS profile, they will use that to calculate your preliminary package. You would be using information from tax year 2004 for the CSS and tax year 2005 when filling out the FAFSA. The profile also has a section where you can comment in so you can explain your situation.</p>
<p>Schools that use the CSS profile donot solely rely on the FAFSA to calculate your EFC but use a combination of institutional methodology (varies from school to school ) and Federal methodology (based on the FAFSA)</p>
<p>Your aid can be amended once you turn in the FAFSA and you have any changes in circumstances since you filed the profile.</p>
<p>Remember that ED is binding and you are essentially saying that if you are admitted you will attend regardless of aid. If you school tells you to turn in the profile by a certain date it is in your best interest to do so.</p>
<p>Oops. Quick correction to my own post (I started the thread). I'm off by a year. It's the 2004 tax year that's a fluke; IMO, it would not serve us to fill out the CSS Profile for ED deadlines based on 2004. If we wait and file both CSS Profile and the FAFSA info after January 1, 2006 (using the 2005 returns), will that jeopardize my DS's ED application? And if he's accepted at his ED school, will he still be able to apply for financial aid, even if he hasn't sent in the CSS Profile by the stated deadline for ED financial info?</p>
<p>I sure hope this makes sense, lol.</p>
<p>I agree with sybbie- if the deadline is in Nov then you best meet the deadline if you want aid ( however if you really need aid- best bet is not to apply ED- your EFC may be met- but it might not be reasonable & it might be weighted with loans not grants)
The schools know that you probably don't have a final estimate of income, do your best and when you do have the final estimate, send it to the school with documentation.</p>
<p>Thanks to both you and sybbie. The whole Fin Aid process is pretty daunting; it's good to get some feedback re what's important and what's not.</p>