<p>Happy New Years everyone!</p>
<p>So, I have a question about financial aid deadlines. If a colleges has a FAFSA deadline, say, on Feb. 1st, does that mean they want the final version by then or can you still submit updates after then? </p>
<p>Also, how do you know if colleges want updates or not? I mean, I really don't want to call every college or email just to get this information.</p>
<p>Finally, the CSS Profile doesn't make sense to me. Are we supposed to transfer the 2009 estimates directly onto FAFSA or do they expect a new estimate? Also, does CSS Profile also need to be updated?</p>
<p>Any input would help... thanks!</p>
<p>From my previous experience in filling out the CSS PROFILE, everything is based mostly on tax return ESTIMATEs (so numbers based on the latest tax return). The school I applied to required the CSS months before the FAFSA was due-so tax returns weren’t even available yet. Also, the CSS is just for private universities to get an estimate of how much aid you would need, so i don’t think updates are required. </p>
<p>For the FAFSA, everything should be based on this year’s tax returns. If possible, request it to be done as soon as possible–my parents are basically “rushing” mine (i’m not sure how this works exactly-you might have to pay-but it can be done)</p>
<p>If you absolutely can’t get tax returns early, just base the FAFSA numbers on estimated numbers; however, you MUST send updates-even after the deadline (since nationallly the deadline is in June).</p>
<p>** Still, I would call your school’s financial aid office and ask them for details.
hope this helps.</p>
<p>yeah it definately helped wutheringgc, thanks a lot. So that brings up another question.</p>
<p>If say the deadline is in March, is it better to submit an estimate first, or to wait until my parent’s tax forms are completed and submit the corrected version the first time?</p>
<p>I was also wondering about the CSS profile also. I’m planning on filling it out soon for the first time and my parents are divorced. Is the non-custodial parent weighted as heavily as the custodial parent in giving out need based financial aid?</p>
<p>seadog.overseas,</p>
<p>it might be subjective, depending on how soon you can get the completed app-with correct tax returns-ready.
One thing to remember, though, is that sending forms early will only help you. It might even give you more chances for more aid.
If you’re waiting till close to March to send in a form, deftinately send an estimated application first. Just don’t forget to update. If you’re thinking of sending a completed form in, say Feb, its probably okay to wait.
:)</p>