<p>I became overwhelmed by the process of applying for finaid and accidentally missed some school's CSS Profile deadlines. I was probably off by about 10-12 days. Are these deadlines so absolute that I won't be able to get aid at all from these schools? If I still can get aid, will I be penalized? I ask because I have been told that need-based aid is somewhat "first come first serve". Thanks very much.</p>
<p>It depends. There is no general rule that applies to all colleges. If you want to know how missing the deadline might affect you at a specific college, you’d have to call them and ask. Or else, wait to see what FA offer you are given. (Even then, you won’t know how the lateness may or may not have influenced the final award unless you ask.)</p>
<p>The first-come-first-served thing can apply to some pools of limited funding at some schools, but mostly if student with need apply by the priority deadline, they’ll get whatever need-based aid they’re entitled to under the gov’t and the school’s policies.</p>
<p>Missing the prioriry application deadline can be very detrimental as far as receiving institutional financial aid. I know at the university here, if you miss the deadline you definitely will not receive their Presidential or Provost Scholarships. Those are not need-based though.</p>