<p>Couldn't I(the parent) just use the student's PIN?</p>
<p>Nope. The PIN is considered an electronic signature and you each need a separate one.</p>
<p>You each need a PIN because you EACH sign the FAFSA electronically using the PIN to verify that YOUR information is correct. If there is parent and student information, BOTH need to sign. </p>
<p>If the student is an independent student, for example, a graduate student, where parent info isn't included on the FAFSA, then only the student signs with the PIN because only the student info is on there.</p>
<p>Thanks!! I just started looking at the FAFSA and CSS--what a headache!!</p>
<p>Half...the FAFSA has a great worksheet you can do. Print it out and sit down and write in the answers. Once you have your income, tax and asset information, you just fill in the worksheet. Then doing the FAFSA itself is not all that difficult.</p>
<p>Once you've completed the info for the FAFSA, you'll have most of what you need for the Profile questions as well. You will just need additional information that the Profile requires that the FAFSA does not ask for (things like home equity, mortgage payments, etc). It's just more info...</p>
<p>They are both time consuming the first time. Get yourself a nice hot cup of tea</p>