ivytrack College Preparation Steps

The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (CSS PROFILE) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are the two important financial aid applications that students may encounter during college applications. In addition to the CSS Profile and the FAFSA, we encourage you to apply to as many scholarships as you can. On our Resources page, we have listed many scholarship application websites. You can also find many local scholarship opportunities at your student counselor's office.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

The CSS PROFILE is an online application that collects financial information from you and your family. This information will be used by some colleges to determine your financial aid package. After you have selected which colleges you will apply to, please check their financial aid website for the CSS PROFILE filing deadline.

CSS PROFILE online application site

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Student Guide

Note: Not all colleges require the CSS PROFILE.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by all colleges and determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Since federal aid is based on "first come, first serve," submit your application as early as possible. The earliest submission date is January 1, and the deadline is June 30 each year. You do not have to complete your tax return before filing the FAFSA. You can first file your FAFSA with your estimated income and then file a revision after you have finished your tax return. The FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov.

If it is your first time filing the FAFSA, both the student and the parents need to apply for federal personal ID numbers (PIN). You can apply for your PIN online at www.PIN.ed.gov.

Applicants with a valid email address will receive their PIN by email within 24 hours.
Applicants without an email address will receive their PIN by mail within 10 business days.
The same PIN will be used every year.
The parents should use the same PIN for multiple children.

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