Register on the College Board website (see Resources below). Once you create an account, you'll be asked to pay a registration fee. Then, you will be able to proceed to the CSS scholarship profile questionnaire.
Print out the worksheet before completing the profile. This worksheet lists the kinds of questions the profile engine will ask you and the documents you will need to gather.
Complete the CSS application profile by entering your contact and financial information. Most of these questions will be much like those on the FAFSA, but the good news is that the CSS profile questionnaire is programmed to present only those questions that are actually relevant to you, your family and your educational goals.
Choose which schools will receive this information. You'll be charged another fee for each school you wish to send your CSS profile. Each school will be able to review this information quickly and easily in order to determine which scholarships, grants or loans you will be eligible for if you choose to enroll in its program.
Pick individual scholarship programs to receive your CSS profile. In addition to being able to send your information to the school, you may also send the profile information directly to the institution that is offering a scholarship, grant or loan for which you hope to qualify.
Apply early. You will need to give the school time to process your application, so apply no earlier than 2 weeks prior to any deadline. This will not only ensure that you complete your profile on time, but it will also leave plenty of time to fix any problems that may arise.