2012-2013 Transfer Students (Fall semester)

Financial Aid Application Instructions (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)

printable/pdf instructions

frequently asked questions about applying for financial aid

To apply for financial aid as a Regular Decision candidate, complete the steps below.

1. Indicate your intent to apply for financial aid when you complete your admission application.
   
   
2. Financial Aid PROFILE
   * Visit profileonline.collegeboard.com to complete the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid PROFILE. Include Macalester's code (6390) in the school release section.
   * If you have not yet have completed your 2011 tax returns, file the PROFILE with estimated figures.
   
   
3. If your biological/adoptive parents are separated or divorced, your noncustodial parent must complete the CSS Noncustodial PROFILE. If applicable, you will receive details about the Noncustodial PROFILE service as part of the PROFILE process.
   
   
4. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   o File the FAFSA and include Macalester's school code (002358) in the school section.
   o If you have not yet have completed your 2011 tax returns, file the FAFSA with estimated figures.
   
   
5. Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC)
   
   In response to your Financial Aid PROFILE, you will receive information from the College Board IDOC service on behalf of Macalester College. Macalester will use the IDOC service to collect tax documents and applicable supplements required to apply for financial aid.
   
   Your IDOC information will specify which tax documents are required as part of your financial aid application. In general, they will include:
   
   * Your parents' 2011 federal income tax return. A non-filer statement should be completed if your parent did not and will not file a 2011 federal income tax return.
   * Your own 2011 federal tax return. A non-filer statement (information included with IDOC instructions) should be completed if you did not and will not file a 2011 federal income tax return.
   
   All required documents should be submitted to the IDOC service as one complete package and must have an IDOC cover sheet. Duplicate cover sheets are available at idoc.collegeboard.com.