But there’s another financial aid form you may also need to fill out: the College Scholarship Service Profile, or CSS Profile.

The CSS Profile is used to determine aid from the college or university. The form opens Oct. 1 each year, but deadlines to submit vary by college. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

Students applying to a college that requires the CSS Profile or families seeking financial aid and interested in schools that utilize the form should follow these steps.