If you are applying for financial aid, there are two primary forms: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.

FAFSA is the main source of student financial aid, but don't overlook the CSS profile. If your school accepts it, you could win more money for school.

A simplified student financial aid form finally will be launched by year-end, but the delay from its usual Oct. 1 date will make getting financial aid anything but simple, experts say.