Complete the Application

Sections and questions will be marked as to whether they are about the student or the parent. However, one of the most common mistake's parents who are helping their students make is to answer “Student Status” questions for themselves and not for their student.  Most high school seniors will not have legal dependents they support nor will they be veterans.   

Review Getting Started and our tutorials to understand what you may need to have available to complete the application. For information and instructions in Spanish, review en Español.

If you created a College Board account for the SAT, PSAT or AP, use the same username and password to sign-in. If not, create a new account. To sign-in, use the buttons on our home page and select the appropriate year you are applying. Custodial parents will use the same account as their student. Only noncustodial parents will create a separate account - learn more about creating a noncustodial account on our Profile for Parents page.

The application provides online help to guide you. You do not need to complete the application all at once; you can save your application and return to it later.

Once complete, submit your CSS Profile application. The submit date and time is based on Eastern Time. If necessary, you will pay your application fee when you are ready to submit.

Remember: The CSS Profile is free to domestic undergraduate students whose family income is up to $100,000. Read more about Fee Waivers. If you do not receive a Fee Waiver, the fee for the initial application is $25. Additional reports are $16. Payment may be made via credit or debit card.

Your dashboard includes your payment receipt and any next steps, such as uploading documents through the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). You may also add additional schools at any time by clicking on “Add a College or Program.”

Don't worry! If you made a mistake on your application or need to include additional information after you submit, you can update your application by clicking “Correct Your CSS Profile” on your Dashboard. Corrections are available by late November each year.

We're here to help! Chat live or speak by phone with us Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.