Hey everyone, international applicant here.
So I got done with my CSS PROFILE around the end of January (priority filling date is Feb 15th for most colleges). I’ve been pretty busy since then, and I haven’t had the time to send in the supporting documents, and it’s gonna take even more time now because the colleges are asking me to send them via fax or mail (I think this is ridiculous, why can’t schools just have an upload system like MIT or UChicago?). I’m just wondering if this will hurt my chances of admission? Does the priority filling date apply for the supporting documents too?
All replies are appreciated! Thanks!
It depends upon the school as what it affects. Most schools do not have fin aid linked with admissions so that it does not hurt chances of admissions; but for those schools need aware in admissions it could. But it’s always a good idea to get the documents in on time, because most schools are limited in some forms of aid, grants, in particular, and when they run out, that’s it. The latter packages processed could well be skimpier. At some schools, late materials can mean missing out on certain grants, and they say so right out.
@cptofthehouse Thanks for the reply! I was under the impression that the CSS profile is the most important, and that once that’s in, the supporting documents are simply needed to confirm the already submitted application. But you’re saying that the supporting documents bear just as much weight? That they also have to be submitted before the priority filling date to be considered. How much do you think this could hurt my application to a school that is “need-aware”?
Super…do you want financial aid…or not? The required submissions for your college must ALL be completed…and in most cases deadlones aver very important. At some colleges, students who apply late are placed at the bottom of the queue for aid. Is that where you want to be?
You say you have been “pretty busy”? Think about how busy those financial aid folks are…looking at a gazzillion applications and drafting aid packages for admitted students. Sorry, but that just isn’t a reason for being late with submissions. The deadlones have been posted for months…months.
As an international applicant, some schools are need aware for admissions. This means that your ability to pay will be considered when your admission application is reviewed. For those schools, your application will not be reviewed for admission until your financial aid submissions are complete.
For need blind schools…your financial aid needs are not considered with your admissions application.
But get used to adhering to deadlines. It’s a life skill that is extremely important.
I am saying it depends upon the school. Some schools take every single deadline very seriously. They may meet full need ONLY for those who meet those deadlines. Some schools are not so stringent.
@thumper1 Thanks for the reply! I was aware of the deadlines, but I misunderstood the process for sending supporting documents. It was especially hard dealing with the non-custodial parent part. But what you’re saying is still valid. Hopefully my application won’t suffer too much as a result, and if it does then that’s understandable.
Super…just get everything done asap…and the chips will fall as they will. I mean…really…it’s not like you can wind the clock back.
Right - no hot tub time machine!
Well, the majority of the schools I’m applying to are need-blind for internationals, and many of the rest have later deadlines. From what I’ve assessed so far, the only schools that I’ve applied to that don’t fit into either of those categories are: Stanford and UPenn. So I’m not in as deep shit as I previously thought, but it is a bummer that I might have jeopardized my application to those schools 
Thanks everyone for your replies, I really appreciate the feedback! Best of luck to all applicants! 
It might not jeopardize admissions at all…even at Stanford and Penn. But it could jeopardize receipt of aid.