If you've filed your FAFSA by now, you're probably feeling good about the fact that you have beat the March 1 priority deadline set by most colleges to apply for financial aid. You need to know that you may need to file one or more forms yet to get the financial aid for which you qualify.

 

The most common "extra" form in use by colleges is the CSS Profile.  The CSS Profile is a much longer form and is used by some colleges to further analyze the ability to pay for the family of a student who has applied for financial aid.  The CSS Profile is a College Board product and there is a $25 fee to file the form.  You can find the CSS Profile at www.collegeboard.org. Not all colleges use the CSS Profile.

 

In addition to the CSS Profile, your college may also have an addiitonal internal form that they use. Consult your college financial aid office webpage for details.  When it comes to financial aid, it is best to file forms early and to check up on the progress of your applications to make sure you don't miss out on any aid your college can award to you.