The CSS Profile, a form used by colleges and universities to gather information about a student’s family’s financial situation, is required by over 450 institutions in the United States.
The CSS Profile is designed to help colleges and universities determine a student’s financial need, eligibility for need-based financial aid, and the amount of aid that the student should receive.
The CSS Profile is only required by a limited number of colleges and universities. The list of schools that require the CSS Profile changes every year, so it is important to check with the schools that you are interested in to see if they require the CSS Profile.
Here is a list of some of the schools that require the CSS Profile:
Ivy League Schools:
* Brown University
* Columbia University
* Cornell University
* Dartmouth College
* Harvard University
* University of Pennsylvania
* Princeton University
* Yale University
Other Top-Ranked Universities:
* Duke University
* Georgetown University
* Johns Hopkins University
* Massachusetts Institute of Technology
* Northwestern University
* Stanford University
* University of California, Berkeley
* University of Chicago
* University of Michigan
* University of Notre Dame
* University of Virginia
Liberal Arts Colleges:
* Amherst College
* Bowdoin College
* Colby College
* Middlebury College
* Smith College
* Swarthmore College
* Vassar College
* Wellesley College
Other Schools:
* Boston College
* Carnegie Mellon University
* Emory University
* Vanderbilt University
* Washington University in St. Louis
If you are applying to any of the schools on this list, you will need to complete the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA.
How to Complete the CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is available online at the College Board website. The CSS Profile is a long and complex form, so it is important to start working on it early. The CSS Profile takes about 2 hours to complete. The CSS Profile is available in English and Spanish.
The CSS Profile asks for a variety of information about your family’s financial situation, including your parents’ income, assets, and debts. You will also need to provide information about your own income and assets.
The CSS Profile is used by colleges and universities to determine your financial need, eligibility for need-based financial aid, and the amount of aid that you should receive.
Tips for Completing the CSS Profile
Here are some tips for completing the CSS Profile:
- Start working on the CSS Profile early. The CSS Profile is a long and complex form, so it is important to start working on it early.
- Gather all of your financial information before you start working on the CSS Profile. This will help you to complete the CSS Profile accurately and efficiently.
- Read the instructions carefully. The CSS Profile instructions are long and detailed, but it is important to read them carefully. The instructions will help you to complete the CSS Profile accurately.
- If you have any questions, contact the College Board. The College Board has a team of experts who can answer your questions about the CSS Profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when completing the CSS Profile:
- Do not guess at any of the information. If you do not know the answer to a question, leave it blank.
- Do not round any of the numbers. The CSS Profile is very specific about the way that you should enter your information.
- Do not submit the CSS Profile until you have reviewed it carefully. Make sure that all of the information is accurate and complete.
The CSS Profile is an important part of the financial aid process. By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that you complete the CSS Profile accurately and efficiently.