What exactly is the IDOC?? Urgent!

Paying for College
1

Hi. I’m an international student applying for financial aid; I have already submitted my CSS profiles to all of my colleges and have questions regarding the IDOC. I know that it is a form of a cover letter to put on top of the other supporting financial documents.

However, is the IDOC required for international students? Will it be fine to simply attach separate files of my parent’s income tax return and bank statement on an email, evidently assuming the fact that the respective college accepts such documents via email?

Thanks!!

2

No, idoc collects the information for the colleges and converts it to files for the colleges. If you want the college’s money follow their process. Doing things your own way will just delay the process for you. Since aid for international students us very limited and most schools do evaluate your need as part of the admissions process your not following the process could leave you empty handed with out a school or money

3

However, certain schools such as Middlebury explicitly states that “IDOC (for US citizens/permanent residents…” without any indication of international students? I have scoured the section for both domestic and international applicants, and the “implied” answer was that international students do not have to submit the IDOC.

I may very well be incorrect; I have only submitted supporting documents to 2 CSS profile colleges, with the others being those that do not utilize the CSS. Should I wait until I receive the IDOC to submit the documents??

4

On Middlebury’s FA page it states that the international applicant must file the CSS International Profile OR Middlebury’s International Aid Application in addition to one of those forms you must submit “Employer Statements in English” - there is a paragraph that explains what this should include. They say you can scan and email this statement. You will not do the IDOC for Middlebury as an international applicant.

If you have a question about what is required for a specific school check the FA pages and email the school if the requirements are not clear.

5

And email the financial aid office if you still aren’t clear. I have found them to be prompt at responding and helpful at most colleges.