Just learned about the CSS

Hey guys! I posted about this on the class of 2020 thread but I guess that was more a discussion about application results more than anything.

Well anyway, I was accepted into Caltech early action. As I was browsing the financial aid information, I found out that some profile, called a CSS profile was due Nov. 15th. Today is the first time I’ve heard about the CSS and it seems extremely important so I’m freaking out! Since its due later for regular decision, could I still get the financial aid that that would result in if I submit it later? I really don’t want to lose my chance of attending Caltech because of this. Help? Anyone been down this road?

The folks in financial aid office are extremely helpful. Call them, and then submit the CSS. I found Caltech to be the most generous of schools son was admitted to.

If you look at the Financial Aid section of admitted.caltech.edu, it says you’ll get your financial aid package in January if you submit the PROFILE before January 18th. So just finish it over winter break and you’re good.

You are very lucky Caltech is EA, not ED. Contact their FA office in Monday and let them know you missed this requirement. They will likely tell you to get it in ASAP, which you should do.

Then…, go to every website of every college you applied to. Make a list of every FA form and date requirement. I suggest a spreadsheet to track it, as each college has their own dates and quirks to the process. Don’t miss any more dates. Also, give your parents a heads up that colleges have ridiculously early expectations for when you will get your tax return done and to them – this is it the year to dawdle. Anything they can do to
prepare them as early as possible is good.

The good news is that after this year you only need to do this for one college.

If you look at the Financial Aid section of admitted.caltech.edu, it says you’ll get your financial aid package in January if you submit the PROFILE before January 18th. So just finish it over winter break and you’re good.