So confused about Aid! FAFSA and CSS Profile?

<p>Hiya! I'm a Senior and (after my mom gave me a 2 hour lecture on why doing things last minute is bad bad bad) am starting my College Application process. The only thing is, I'm a bit confused on the Financial Aid thing. When applying to colleges, do you usually apply for Financial Aid IN the application? Or is it a seperate process? Also, does every school require a FAFSA or CSS Profile or something along the lines? Will they say so?
My worst fear is to finish applying, and then realize that I forgot to send some things!</p>

<p>And lastly (I know THIS question is in the wrong section ;[ ) if we realize that we forgot to send in some things, or if colleges somehow NOT receive the reccomendation letters after the deadline...are we still allowed to send them in? </p>

<p>Sorry for the many many questions! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ANYONE WILLING TO HELP ME!
I'm usually considered as a very confused and careless person, so I want to make sure before making a grave mistake! Better safe than sorry :D</p>

<p>Welcome…first let me state my mantra…don’t miss any deadlines…and read carefully what the college needs and the dates those items are DUE. Arrange for it all to happen ON TIME.</p>

<p>Now…your questions. </p>

<p>Re: financial aid applications. These are separate from your application. The FAFSA is sent to the FAFSA folks and the Profile to the College Board. When you complete them, you indicate which colleges you wish to have these submitted to and they submit them to the schools you select.</p>

<p>Re: deadlines for financial aid applications…You will need to read EACH college website carefully. Go to their financial aid section and you should find a tab for forms and deadlines. This will tell you what each college requires AND the deadlines for submission. DO NOT MISS THE DEADLINES. There are some forms of financial aid that you simply will not be considered for if your applications are late. Remember to check EACH college as these deadlines and the required forms and supporting information vary by school.</p>

<p>By looking on each website, you should easily be able to learn what EACH school requires (FAFSA, Profile, school finaid form…or whatever).</p>

<p>Are you a rising senior or an already graduated senior?</p>

<p>Thank you! I have made a list of deadlines so I’ll be sure to be done before then. Yes, I’m a rising Senior</p>