Steps to Applying for Aid

Paying for College
1

So in researching the financial aid process, I have come to this conclusion:

  1. Check to see if the school has a supplemental application.
  2. Complete and submit the FAFSA.
  3. Complete and submit the CSS profile if required.

Do you guys know if there are any other steps I should look for when applying for financial aid? Thanks!

2

That looks good to me! Just make sure you check the school’s priority filing deadline for the forms. While you have the FAFSA as step 2 and the CSS Profile as step 3, I’ve run into some situations where the CSS Profile is due much earlier than the FAFSA which can be annoying especially since the CSS Profile in my opinion is more complicated to deal with.

3

There may be a document collection step, such as IDOC.

4

The very first step should be to read the financial aid application requirements on ALL of your college websites.

  1. Note what each school REQUIRES for financial aid application materials. This will vary from school to school.
  2. In addition to the FAFSA and Profile, some schools have their own forms. Some schools require submission of tax returns. Some require tax returns fro the previous year too. This all varies from school to school.
  3. Note the DEADLINES. Do not plan to submit late. In fact, better to submit early.
  4. Plan to get your 2014 taxes done ASAP. This is NOT the year to wait until April 15.
  5. You can comolete both the FAFSA and Profile with estimates...really good ones...and update when your taxes are completed. But DO get those taxes done and update ASAP after February 1.