Hey there! So…uh… I’ve just learned that the CSS Profile is a thing just about right now. I’ve only done the FAFSA but most of my out of state schools require it and I have no idea what I’m doing.
My noncustodial parent is unwilling to give me any financial information and hasn’t financially supported me in years, but most of my colleges require the noncustodial information. I haven’t filled out a Noncustodial Parent Waiver, and I don’t have the info to do that before the February 1st deadlines!
What should I do? Will (most) colleges be understanding and give me an extension if I call the finaid offices?
All college you are applying to will have a financial aid section and there will be a list of the things you need to complete and submit in order to get aid from them. There often is a timeline too, for deadlines. So yes, if you can’t provide the info that you are supposed to in time, then email and ask for an extension. I do not know if they are ‘understanding’ or if deadlines are firm. Ask each college.
RE: NCP
a) the parent doesn’t have to give it to YOU. There is a procedure where a link is sent to that parent and they fill it out themselves, so no one sees it but the school. You and the custodial parent don’t see it.
b) it has nothing to do with financially supporting you, or even paying for college. Schools that require NCP info just use it for calculating the aid you get.
If you don’t have the NCP info your application will not be processed. There is the option to submit a noncustodial waiver and see if it gets accepted. But there needs to be a reason to submit it. The parent being unwilling to fill it out or to pay isn’t usually considered a reason.
Ask each school that requires NCP FAFSA TODAY what you need to get a waiver. The procedures can vary widely from school to school. Get cracking on filling it out NOW. You may get some, all or none of the waivers, but give it a go. From what I 've seen the waivers usually require your mother to fill out a section and a non biased third party. The school counselors tend to be experienced in filling these out, so you may need to get something over to your GC ASAP
I also recommend you look for some affordable options just in case none of this flies and you don’t get aid you need to go to school. Look for some local options. Look at state options.
Last July, you made a thread and you said that your parents had RECENTLY separated, so the argument that your dad hasn’t supported you for years is probably not going to fly.
And, in that thread, you were told about CSS and NCP info.
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my parents are recently "separated" (not separated long enough to be considered fully divorced by the time I look at federal aid) and my mom receives no alimony/child support/whatever.
This is from JULY. It clearly states that the Profile will be required at some of your schools.
ETA…University of Chicago changed its policy after July and no longer requires the Profile. But they do have a short form of their own that is required in addition to the FAFSA. Did you get THAT done?
Did you apply to University of Utah as a financial safety? Did you raise your ACT score?