The FAFSA is the primary way to apply for college financial aid, but you may also be required to fill out the CSS Profile when you attend about 400 different institutions in the U.S. Here's what ...

Feb. 15 (priority) and March 1, Wake Forest; Feb. 15, Davidson. The CSS Profile is a bit more involved than the FAFSA, so take your time. Make sure you read the instructions provided before you begin.

What is the CSS Profile? The CSS Profile is a financial aid form created by The College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT and other tests. Close to 400 colleges use the form.

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.

But some families will also need to complete the College Board’s CSS/Financial Aid Profile, which certain schools—most of them private—use to determine how to award their own aid.