Schooler95

I am wondering how to approach these 2 calculators. Should I avoid the CSS profile -requiring schools or focus on them? We own a very small business. Not sure if that is good or bad for us on the CSS profile.
We have some money for college but would need some help with private school tuition. My D has very good scores and gpa. Would like to have options beyond the in state (ny) schools.

Anyone have tips or perspective?

Chedva

FAFSA-only schools tend to be stingy with aid; they rarely "meet need". You may be shooting yourself in the foot by focusing on FAFSA only. (My husband is self-employed, so I know what you mean about a small business.)

More important than the particular forms are the discussions you have had with your D. Let her know what you are willing/able to spend, and then apply to the schools she wants. That way, she'll know that unless she gets significant aid, she may be out of luck even if she gets into her favorite schools.

Also focus on schools at which she is in the top of the stats pool, and which give merit aid - that, by the way, lets out all Ivies.

mom2collegekids

Schools that only use FAFSA are usually lousy with need-based aid...usually only giving "free money" to students who are Pell qualified. However, some of these schools do offer large merit scholarships so do include a few of those on your list.

CSS Profile has been known to be harsh to the self-employed because some deductions get added back in by the schools.

Apply to some CSS schools to see what happens, and apply to some FAfSA schools that will give big merit to your child for her stats.