How do colleges calculate financial aid awards for students who have applied to their institution?  Each college has its own set of requirements so the student should be sure to check with the financial aid offices of the schools.  Along with forms that may be required, there are important deadlines to follow too.  Remember to apply for additional financial aid from your state government and outside scholarships.
Here are financial aid applications you may have to complete:

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – a federal financial aid application form required by all colleges for federal financial aid including grants, loans, and work/study. In addition, some colleges use the FAFSA to award money from its own endowment funds and others require additional forms.

Verification Worksheet is to be completed if a student’s FAFSA was selected for review by the college.

State – Visit your state’s department of education site for information on state-sponsor on state financial aid programs for state residents.

Institutional – Email colleges on your list for additional institutional forms that the school may require before awarding money from its own endowment funds for financial aid..

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^® is an additional form required by a few hundred colleges before they award money from their own endowment funds. Check with the colleges you’re applying to before filling one out to see if it’s necessary.

CSS Business/Farm Supplement may need to be completed for the CSS Profile if your  family owns a business or farm.

CSS NonCustodial Profile is an additional form for the CSS Profile that divorced/separated families may need to complete.

Scholarships sponsored by businesses, employers, individuals, high schools, fraternal organizations and other private groups have their own application forms to determine award winners.

College Specific Scholarships from a schools’ special endowment funds may be awarded in addition to financial aid programs. Some colleges use their admission application for their scholarship programs and others require additional forms.

Appeal forms – After you get your financial award letter from the school you may realize that the award package falls short of your financial need. Some colleges will have financial aid appeal forms for students seeking a reconsideration of their financial aid awards.