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I understand that PROFILE is for private schools, and FAFSA is for public, but why do I need both? Do they award two different sums of money, or do they both work towards awarding the correct sum of financial aid that a student needs? Also, I'm applying ED, so how am I supposed to turn in my FAFSA before the deadline?

By burningman on Wednesday, October 02, 2002 - 10:05 pm: Edit

Nope, it's all one pot of money. It's just that some schools want the additional questions on the Profile answered in addition to the more basic FAFSA questions. The Profile is more in depth on some issues, particularly things like family business ownership. You may even have a third form that the individual school requires.

You'll probably have to fill out last year's FAFSA and estimate numbers for your ED app. Check with the school's aid office to determine what they will need with your ED app. You may have to supply copies of last year's tax return, too.