<p>I've heard the FAFSA forms come out Jan.1st (this might be wrong-I'm truly clueless when it comes to FA), but during college tours I've heard that I can submit it to a college even before I'm accepted? Can someone explain this to me? When exactly does the FAFSA come out and why do colleges tell you to submit it even before you're accepted?</p>
<p>The FAFSA comes out January 1. Colleges have limited amounts of resources, so they have priority filing deadlines. You need to make sure you file the FAFSA before the earliest priority date for all colleges you are considering. You are doing this early because you might be accepted. If you wait, you could be accepted but have missed the deadline for the best possible aid.</p>
<p>kelsmom, thanks for the reply. I am applying to all my schools EA (and one ED) so do I just submit it to them anytime after January 1st? I guess what I don’t understand why schools say I can submit it anytime after I apply if the form doesn’t come out until Jan.1st.</p>
<p>I guess they mean anytime after you apply - but not before January 1st!</p>
<p>Do any of these schools require the Profile? That form is available earlier.</p>
<p>Most of my schools want FAFSA, a few want CSS Profile.
Should I submit both?</p>
<p>Check out the school’s financial websites… some require the CSS Profile and your family’s 2009 taxes as early as November 1st if you applied EA. The Profile became available on October 1st to meet these early deadlines. As mentioned above, the FAFSA cannot be submitted until January 1st.</p>
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<p>xbuddy, if the school(s) require both then you submit both. The Profile is available now for the 2011-2012 school year. FAFSA not until Jan. 1 (as noted already).</p>
<p>You need to check EACH website for the financial aid application things required AND the deadlines. These vary wildly from school to school. Just be sure you send each school what THEY require and do it on time.</p>
<p>Complete the Profile and FAFSA as early as you can. You can do these before your 2010 taxes are completed but use EXCELLENT estimates. Once your taxes are completed, you can amend the FAFSA online to reflect that you have completed your taxes AND put in the numbers from the 2010 tax return. You will need to do the Profile by hand so be sure you print out a copy of your Profile when you submit it.</p>
<p>Nearly every Profile school also requires you to submit a FAFSA.</p>