Why is FAFSA/CSS PROFILE req. so early?

<p>The deadline for submitting the FAFSA and the CSS PROFILE is January 15. Why is it so early? The FAFSA just came out on January 1.</p>

<p>Haha I was wondering about the same question too :) because I don't know of any other colleges that require it so early.
Anyway, the 15th is this Saturday. :(</p>

<p>I filled out the CSS PROFILE already (it was Nov.15th deadline IIRC). Now to fill out FAFSA. :(</p>

<p>How badly will regret missing these deadlines? For example, if we applied early action and didn't get the registration for the CSS Profile in until late December, but got the CSSP and FASFA subitted by Saturday? :(</p>

<p>It's hard to tell, CWatson. For financial aid, schools make it quite clear that it is the early bird that gets the worm. That said, it all depends on who else applied on time and how much aid is left.</p>

<p>In general, Caltech is pretty understanding about slightly missed deadlines (and even greatly missed deadlines sometimes). I'm not sure whether or not this would be the case for the FAFSA, but there's no harm in trying. You could try calling up admissions to see if they'll accept it a bit late.</p>

<p>jamimom - Isn't it kind of like a rolling process... like all the people who submit on or before January 15 will all be considered equally, or is it if someone submitted December 29 and then someone else submitted January 15, does the December 29 have the advantage?</p>

<p>Thanks, alleya. Actually, my FAFSA will be in today, so that ok. Its really the CSS Profile that I was worried about.</p>

<p>I thought it'd be in Feb like all the other schools!!!</p>

<p>Where can I get the required forms?</p>

<p>You mean the required forms for FAFSA and CSS? They're online.</p>

<p>CWatson42, we had the same problem. My son applied EA and we hadnt done the Profile. I called Caltech financial aid and they said no problem, just get it in as soon as possible. You will just get your package later with the regular action people. We just submitted the FAFSA and the Profile today.</p>

<p>Thanks toshimi! That is good news.</p>

<p>My parents have been out of country since Jan 1st, and won't return until the end of January, so I didn't have access to the financial information necessary in order to complete the FAFSA form, oh well...</p>

<p>I don't have a SSN as yet so I cannot complete the FAFSA. I tried emailing Caltech's Fin aid office but I haven't received a reply as yet (waited about 4 weeks).</p>

<p>Email or call them again Amrik. They're pretty responsive most of the time - maybe your thing was lost in the deluge of emails.</p>

<p>And if you submitted something late to the finaid office, you might get your award late, but you will not have the dollar amount affected. We guarantee that we will meet the demonstrated need of all students... not just those who are capable of submitting a couple papers on time. </p>

<p>Galen</p>