While filling out the CSS Profile can be a complex and time-consuming process, avoiding common mistakes can make the experience smoother and increase your chances of receiving the financial assistance you need.
If you’re completely new to the CSS Profile, this blog post I wrote in 2021 answers some FAQs and is a good place to start.
For everyone else, let’s dive right into the common CSS Profile mistakes:
Not submitting the CSS Profile at all
Most families have heard of the FAFSA but many haven’t heard of the CSS Profile, which often means it’s not submitted. If a college requires the CSS Profile, just submitting the FAFSA means that your student won’t have a complete financial aid application. Here is the full list of colleges that currently require the CSS Profile. With the FAFSA being delayed, there are several new colleges on the list this year!
Simply Admissions clients can also see if their colleges require a CSS Profile on the application tracker.
Reporting parent-owned 529 plans as a student asset (even if the student is the beneficiary)
This is a very common mistake that can greatly affect the student’s financial aid eligibility. Approximately 5% of parent assets are taken into consideration when calculating the student’s aid eligibility, while 20-25% of student assets are factored in. This is true for the FAFSA as well!
Missing Additional Documentation Requests
After submitting the CSS Profile, colleges often request additional documentation to verify the information provided. Not submitting the required documents promptly can delay the processing of your financial aid application. Stay vigilant and respond to all requests in a timely and thorough manner to avoid any delays in the financial aid decision process. These requests often come through email and/or through the applicant portal for each individual college.
Overlooking School-Specific Requirements
Different colleges may have specific CSS Profile requirements or supplemental forms. Make sure to pay close attention to any additional forms or responses they require and submit them along with your CSS Profile to avoid application processing delays.
Forgetting to Update Changes in Circumstances
Life can change unexpectedly, affecting your financial situation. If your family experiences significant changes in income or expenses after submitting the CSS Profile, notify the financial aid offices of the colleges you’ve applied to immediately. Colleges understand that circumstances can change, and updating them promptly can help them reassess your financial aid package accordingly. This is true for colleges that only require the FAFSA too!
By avoiding these common mistakes and staying organized throughout the application process, you can increase your chances of receiving the financial support necessary to achieve your academic goals. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.