A: Almost all applications for financial aid require submission of the FAFSA. The FAFSA may not be submitted until January 1 but should be submitted as soon as possible after that date. To expedite the process, apply for the PIN required for electronic submission in the fall. The CSS/Profile has a registration fee and is only used by specified colleges. Before filling out the form, make sure it is required by the colleges your daughter is considering. Some colleges have their own institutional financial aid forms which must be completed. All due dates should be followed exactly.

A: Information about completing the FAFSA will be available at the CCIS workshop on December 5 at 7:00 p.m. This program is led by a counselor from The Cleveland Scholarship Programs, and this group is available to provide continuing advice. Support is also available on the FAFSA website or the federal hot line at (800)433-3243. Information on the CSS/Profile is available online at the College Board site.

A: Because of variations in cost of attendance, preferential packaging policies and calculation of demonstrated need, there can be significant differences in financial aid offered by different schools. Before accepting a financial aid package, ask if the student can expect comparable packages for all four years assuming family resources remain approximately the same.

A: If the financial aid package at your daughter’s preferred school is less than at others, you can contact the financial aid office and ask why the calculation of need varies. Some schools will reconsider a financial aid package if you contact them personally. You should also make sure to advise the college financial aid office if there are unusual circumstances or changes in your family financial circumstance which might increase the student’s calculated need.