<p>We completed a CSS for an EA application in November. We've just completed FAFSA for those applications due January-February (using 2012 estimates, with the IRS retrieval to come). In fact, one college required CSS for EDI (11/15) but FAFSA for EDII (1/2)</p>
<p>Why do some colleges on our list require both? More specifically, what does the CSS tell them that the FAFSA doesn't (besides the value of the principle residence - which I assume would indicate an opportunity for college funding through a second mortgage)?</p>
<p>FAFSA is the basic form required by most every college, as eligibility for government funds requires the completion of that form. Many schools that are laying out their own money, have other things they want to know about in the financial picture that FAFSA does not address. PROFILE is not really just one form. When you fill it out and indicate which colleges you want for it, the questions pop up for those colleges. Some colleges want to know the value of the cars you drive and some other piercing questions. How they use the information you give differs widely too.</p>
<p>Home equity is not the only issue that CSS PROFILE wants to know about. Non custodial parents’ fianancials are a big differenc. Sibling’s assets another. How small business ownership is viewed is still another. Also, the schools do eye the pension information, with some schools using it. Nothing is off limits. Unlike FAFSA , where you get an EFC, you don’t get such a number from colleges that uSe PROFILE. They send you a package based on your PROFILE and FAFSA numbers and you have to figure out what the “EFC” is for each school.</p>
<p>The CSS Profile essentially provides more information for the school to evaluate your need. It is more commonly used by private schools that presumably want to use more information than provided by the FAFSA. Some schools have their own forms that they use instead of the CSS profile.</p>
<p>The CSS profile has many sections and not all of the schools that use the profile use all of the sections. When filling out the form on line the profile only asks you the questions applicable to the schools that you indicated should be receiving your profile.</p>
<p>There is a lot of additional information that the profile may ask. In addition to the value of your home there are questions about the value of your car, amount being paid for siblings to attend college, amount being paid for private schools, etc.</p>
<p>Stupid question, but anyways.
If i will be going to college this September or so for my first year (fresh) should i be doing the 2013-14 form?</p>