<p>When do we generally submit PROFILE, FAFASA, and other paperwork to colleges? They probably differ from colleges, but is there a general time frame that they all share? I am entering college in Fall 2005. Thanks.</p>
<p>Is the Profile used exclusively for early decision applicants?</p>
<p>The FAFSA for the 2005-06 school year doesn't even become available until January 1, 2005. Many schools recommend that you file the FAFSA as soon as possible. We filed it the first week of January (the year DS was a high school senior) indicating a "will file" status. This meant we had not yet completed our tax returns and were using estimates from the previous year. Then we completed our taxes by the first week of February and amended the FAFSA to reflect the current tax filing. This was what our son's colleges wanted us to do. RE: the Profile, I think it's easier to do once you have completed your tax return. We filed ours the first week of February, the same day we amended the FAFSA. The Profile is used by some private universities and colleges to supplement the information on the FAFSA in determining need based aid. I have never heard of a situation where the Profile was used exclusively for EA or ED applicants. When a college requires the Profile for aid consideration it is required of ALL applicants. If they don't require the Profile, no one needs to file it.</p>
<p>so I ( and 2005 HS graduates) do that next year, right? so the people worring about it now are in college?</p>
<p>No, you need to do this Jan/Feb of senior year. The colleges use these to determine how much financial aid you will receive. They will either send you your financial aid package with your "You're admitted" letter/packet or soon thereafter.</p>
<p>thanks much</p>