It's FAFSA/CA DREAM ACT Season! Even if you do not think your family may qualify for Financial Assistance, every Senior should fill out the free FAFSA OR CA Dream Act application. Keep in mind that many college scholarship programs and Cal Grant Awards require a financial aid application on file. 

The FAFSA/CA DREAM Act (2024/25) application window opens in DECEMBER (TBD) and the priority deadline to apply is TBD. The earlier the better! 

FAFSA Application: Students can start their online FAFSA application at fafsa.gov

For the FAFSA application: Your/parents federal income tax returns (2021), W-2s (2021), and other records of money earned (2021). (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.) Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable). Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

RESOURCES: 

• FAFSA Application Resources: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/resources
• FAFSA Application Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalStudentAid
• FAFSA Eligibility Requirements Website: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements
• “Cómo obtener ayuda financiera para asistir a la universidad, por medio de FAFSA o de DREAM ACT”: https://youtu.be/OElBhFUwWmE
• “Taller: Cómo llenar formas de FAFSA y DREAM ACT. Apoyo financiero para estudiantes universitarios”: https://youtu.be/V1wwXS1R_dI
• “Cómo funciona WebGrants 4 Students de la Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California (CSAC)”: https://youtu.be/iX8Z9R0v9pw

CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION RESOURCES

The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Students can start their online CA Dream Act application at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ 

RESOURCES: 

• CSAC CA Dream Act Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/undocumented-dreamer-students
• CA Dream Act Eligibility Requirements: https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/california-nonresident-tuition-exemption 
• “Cómo obtener ayuda financiera para asistir a la universidad, por medio de FAFSA o de DREAM ACT”: https://youtu.be/OElBhFUwWmE
• “Taller: Cómo llenar formas de FAFSA y DREAM ACT. Apoyo financiero para estudiantes universitarios”: https://youtu.be/V1wwXS1R_dI
• “Cómo funciona WebGrants 4 Students de la Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California (CSAC)”: https://youtu.be/iX8Z9R0v9pw

An FSA I.D. is needed by both student and one parent (if they have a social security number) to complete & submit the FAFSA electronically.

You can create your FSA I.D. in advance at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

As you prepare to fill out the FAFSA, one of the first things you need to do is create an FSA ID . This is an account username and password for students and parents to access the FAFSA and sign the application electronically. It’s also how you log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites to complete tasks like signing federal student loan documents, completing loan entrance counseling, and enrolling in loan repayment options. Because your FSA ID acts as an electronic legal signature, it’s important that you keep your login information in a safe and secure place and not share it with anyone.

The FSA ID is an essential part of successfully completing the FAFSA and will be used throughout your college career to access federal financial aid websites. If you haven’t created an FSA ID already and have a social security number, you should make one before you fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

You’ll need your Social Security number, full name, email address (NOT SCHOOL EMAIL) and date of birth. You’ll also need to create a memorable username and password, and provide answers to some challenge questions so you can retrieve your account information if you forget it.

Financial Aid explained: 

Grants - This is free money.   

• Grants may come in the form of money from the state of California (Cal Grant) and students who have an academic GPA of 3.0 or are eligible. Cal Grant funds vary depending on the type of college attending. (community, Cal State, UC, Private)

• Grants also come in the form of money from the federal government. This is primarily based on total income contribution.
• Grants can also come from the college you will attend. These grants are usually based on your successful completion of rigorous high school coursework.  They will be included in your financial aid package that is prepared for you once you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

Scholarships - This is free money. 

• Scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or given on the basis of a particular interest or background.  

• For a list of scholarships and scholarship sites please scroll down or log in to Naviance.
• Guide on College and University Scholarships and Grants

Work Study - This is free money, but it comes in the form of a job. 

• You must select YES on the FAFSA or Dream Act application in order to be considered. Work study is often dependent on need.
• This money will be included in your financial aid package that is prepared for you once you submit your Statement of Intent to Register. 
• Your school will contact you (or you will need to apply) when jobs are available and you will have a chance to choose a job once school starts in the Fall.

Loans - This is NOT free money. 

• You will have to pay it back! Pay attention to payment options. You can begin making payments while in school but not until 6 months after your last day of college. So, if you take a break from school before you graduate you will have to start paying.  
• These loans are usually offered at a lower interest rate and can help offset the immediate cost of college. 
• When accepting a loan, consider your career goal and the income the type of entry-level job would offer since you will need to start paying back the loan soon after graduation.