2013-2014 Application Process for Regular Decision Applicants
The following information will help you determine which applications and forms you need to complete and the dates you should submit them. In order to submit your application materials by the March 1st due date, you may need to estimate some of the information.
| Required Forms | How to Apply | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|
CSS Profile | Complete the 2013-2014 CSS Profile online. CSS School Code: 2116 Profile data will be sent electronically from CSS to Columbia so you do not need to send us copies or printouts of your application. Please ensure that the student Social Security Number submitted on the CSS Profile matches the Social Security Number submitted on The Common Application and the Columbia Supplement. | March 1, 2013 |
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) | Complete the 2013-2014 FAFSA online. Please note that the 2013-2014 FAFSA will not be available until after January 1, 2013 FAFSA School Code Be sure to sign your FAFSA either electronically with a PIN number provided by the Department of Education or by printing out and mailing a FAFSA signature sheet to the processor. More information on PIN numbers will be found at www.pin.ed.gov. Please ensure that the student Social Security Number submitted on the FAFSA matches the Social Security Number submitted on The Common Application and the Columbia Supplement. PLEASE NOTE: Students who are not currently enrolled at Columbia or who are applying for admission to Columbia do not need to submit additional paperwork for the Federal Verification process at this time. If you do enroll at Columbia, our office will work with you during the summer to collect the required documentation. | March 1, 2013 |
2012 Tax Returns & W-2 Forms via IDOC | Once you have completed the CSS Profile you will receive an IDOC number directly from the College Board.
Mail to: Students may check the status of their application online via SSOL Financial Aid System Online. The financial aid office strongly encourages you to complete your and your parents’ 2012 federal income taxes in February. Signed copies of parent and student 2012 federal income tax returns and W-2 forms are required for verification of the information which you report on the financial aid application forms. If your or your parents will not file a 2012 federal tax return, you must submit a Parent Tax Non-Filer or Student Tax Non-Filer certification. If 2012 federal income taxes are not available by March 1, 2013, please submit 2012 W-2 forms and 2011 federal income tax returns (personal and business returns: including all schedules and W-2 forms) directly to our office. Please use our COVER SHEET for all documents you submit to our office to insure proper coding and filing. Please note that a financial aid award will not be finalized until the 2012 federal income tax returns have been reviewed by the Columbia financial aid office. Please do NOT send state income tax returns. | March 1, 2013 |
CSS Noncustodial Profile (Only required if your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married.) and Noncustodial Tax Returns | If you indicated on the CSS Profile that your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married then your non-custodial parent will need to complete the CSS Noncustodial Profile. You will be sent an e-mail which will contain a link and login instructions for the Noncustodial Profile website that you will need to forward to your noncustodial parent. In addition, your noncustodial parent must send a copy of their 2012 federal income tax return (including all schedules, W-2 forms, and any business returns) directly to Columbia preferably no later than March 1, 2013. Please use our COVER SHEET for all documents you submit to our office to insure proper coding and filing. If you think there will be difficulty in meeting this deadline, you must contact the financial aid office to discuss your extenuating circumstances. | March 1, 2013 |
Additional Information | Please feel free to submit a letter of explanation if your family has special circumstances or unusual expenses, or if you feel there are other details which will help us better understand your financial situation. Please send any additional information to the following address: Financial Aid & Educational Financing Or FAX to 212-854-5353 (COVERSHEET). | March 1, 2013 |