Hello!
So I am currently a senior applying to college and I am really confused on the CSS profile. For some background information, My mom died when I was 8 and my dad couldn’t really handle it and his health started going downhill. When I was in 5th grade he gave me up to my uncle and aunt(legal guardians). He now lives in a nursing home and is half paralyzed and his mind isn’t quite there(he has vascular dementia). Anyways I was just wondering on how to fill out the CSS profile? Do I use my guardians finances in all the parent questions? If so would that make my aid less because I am applying Early Decision to Barnard College and I really need aid because I am paying for college myself( my guardians aren’t paying for ANYTHING). I emailed Barnard Fincial Aid office and they said once I turn in Legal Guardianship to the application portal they would waive Parent Fincial papers but I am still nervous that CSS will decrease the amount of aid I get. So in all, How do I complete CSS profile and how will it affect my aid? Also, another college I am applying to requires my dad to fill out CSS profile but obviously he cant so should I make an account and fill it for him?
Thank You!
What is your father’s financial situation? If he is bereft if income and assets, if he is in dire straits, you may have a zero FAFSA EFC and also be eligible for full aid based on that situation.
Though you likely could be considered independent, based on lack of support and not living with your parent, you may need to do more paperwork that way.
You don’t use your guardian financials. You are in legal guardianship do you don’t use your dad.
But…you will need to contact the colleges. They will be understanding of your situation
Contact each college you apply to that uses the CSS Profile and ask them. They may want to see different things.
I am sorry for your situation. It must be very difficult for you. I can assure you that you will receive compassionate advice from the financial aid officers to whom you speak. It is important to talk to an aid officer at each school. Best to you.
Too late to edit. I meant…you won’t use your parent info on the FAFSA .
Contact the schools for Profile info.
Good luck to you!!
@cptofthehouse My dad has no savings or anything, it was a really hard time for our family after our mom died and now he lives in a nursing home thats fully paid for by insurance. I think I am considered independent (thats what I said when I filled out fafsa)
@thumper1 I am just confused because when I tried to fill out the CSS profile, there was no option for me to put legal guardianship other then when i named all my parents, it still required me to put parent information. I am just curious, if I get an aid letter from a college and its not enough, would it be possible for me to contact the FA office and ask for more?
Yes, you can contact the college and ask them to reconsider the aid offered. Going through your history with them should help a great deal.
You should not receive an aid letter that doesn’t consider your full situation - that’s why you need to contact them now.
If they don’t give you enough aid, you can appeal … but if they already know your situation up front, any appeal isn’t likely to net much, if any, additional aid. For this reason, it is very important to have schools on your list that you know you can afford (including community college).
@“Erin’s Dad” @kelsmom Oh okay thank you so much!
Contact the financial aid offices NOW. They will help you work through this.