Introduction
The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is a financial aid application that collects detailed information about a student’s family’s financial situation. Over 400 colleges and universities require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
CSS Profile Requirements
The CSS Profile asks for information about a student’s family’s income, assets, and expenses. It also asks for information about the student’s academic and extracurricular activities.
The CSS Profile is available online and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The cost of the application is $25, although there are fee waivers available for students who qualify.
CSS Profile Deadlines
The CSS Profile deadlines vary by school. It is important to check the deadlines for the schools you are applying to.
Schools That Require the CSS Profile
The following schools require students to submit the CSS Profile:
| School | Website |
|---|---|
| Amherst College | https://www.amherst.edu/ |
| Barnard College | https://www.barnard.edu/ |
| Brown University | https://www.brown.edu/ |
| Columbia University | https://www.columbia.edu/ |
| Cornell University | https://www.cornell.edu/ |
| Dartmouth College | https://www.dartmouth.edu/ |
| Duke University | https://www.duke.edu/ |
| Georgetown University | https://www.georgetown.edu/ |
| Harvard University | https://www.harvard.edu/ |
| Johns Hopkins University | https://www.jhu.edu/ |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | https://www.mit.edu/ |
| Northwestern University | https://www.northwestern.edu/ |
| Princeton University | https://www.princeton.edu/ |
| Rice University | https://www.rice.edu/ |
| Stanford University | https://www.stanford.edu/ |
| University of California, Berkeley | https://www.berkeley.edu/ |
| University of Chicago | https://www.uchicago.edu/ |
| University of Pennsylvania | https://www.upenn.edu/ |
| Vanderbilt University | https://www.vanderbilt.edu/ |
| Yale University | https://www.yale.edu/ |
Benefits of the CSS Profile
The CSS Profile can help students receive more financial aid. The CSS Profile collects more detailed information than the FAFSA, which allows colleges to provide more targeted financial aid awards.
In addition, the CSS Profile can help students determine which colleges they are eligible for. The CSS Profile allows colleges to compare students’ financial need to the financial aid they offer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that students make when completing the CSS Profile. These mistakes can delay the processing of your application and may even result in you receiving less financial aid.
- Completing the CSS Profile incorrectly. The CSS Profile is a complex application, and it is easy to make mistakes. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and double-check your work before submitting the application.
- Not submitting the CSS Profile on time. The CSS Profile deadlines vary by school. It is important to check the deadlines for the schools you are applying to and submit the application on time.
- Not providing all of the required information. The CSS Profile asks for a lot of information, and it can be tempting to skip over some of the questions. However, it is important to provide all of the required information, as missing information can delay the processing of your application and may even result in you receiving less financial aid.
- Not submitting the CSS Profile to all of the schools you are applying to. Some colleges and universities require the CSS Profile, while others do not. It is important to check the requirements for the schools you are applying to and submit the CSS Profile to all of the schools that require it.
Conclusion
The CSS Profile is a valuable tool for students who are applying for financial aid. The CSS Profile can help students receive more financial aid and determine which colleges they are eligible for. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of success.
