The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is a form used to apply for need-based financial aid at many US universities.
To complete the form, you will need to have the following documents from your parents ready:
Tax returns (e.g., income tax assessment)
Pay slips/salary statements
Bank account statements
Information about savings, securities, real estate
Information about mortgages, debts, loans
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the CSS Profile:
Open the official CSS Profile page of College Board (same organization as SAT).
Log in with your SAT account or create a new one.
Enter your personal information:
Name, address, date of birth
Nationality
Marital status
Number of people in your household
If you are a minor, you will also need to enter your parents' information.
If your parents are separated/divorced, you will need documentation from both parents!
Enter your parents' financial information:
Checking/savings accounts
Investments (stocks, funds)
Real estate holdings
Company assets (if parents own a business)
Cars do not count as assets.
Enter information about debts and expenses:
Mortgages
Loans
Special medical expenses
Other high expenses / Special circumcances
These help to realistically represent your financial burden.
Select the college you are applying to
For the first university, submitting the CSS Profile costs $25; each additional one costs $16.
Some universities offer fee waivers, which you can inquire about.
Check and submit your documents:
Check all information thoroughly.
Upload any missing documents. (if required).
Submit the form.
Once you have submitted the form, you cannot make any further changes, so make sure that everything is filled out correctly!
Keep an eye on your CSS Profile afterwards so that you can answer any questions that may arise!