Oct 1

FAFSA and California Dream Act open

January – April

Peak scholarship season

March 2

Cal Grant priority deadline

March – April

Financial aid offers arrive

May 1

Compare offers and choose your college

Sept 2

Cal Grant deadline for community college students

FAFSA or Dream Act: file the one that fits you

If you're a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, file the FAFSA. If you're undocumented, have DACA, or hold certain visas, file the California Dream Act Application instead. File only one, and file it again every year you're in college. If you're not sure which is yours, come talk with me privately. Foster youth and students who are homeless or on their own may be able to file as independent students, without parent information. I'll help you with the paperwork.

Know the types of aid

Grants and scholarships are free money you don't pay back. Work-study lets you earn money through a part-time job on campus. Loans must be repaid with interest. Accept free money first, and borrow only what you need.

California offers its own aid

The Cal Grant helps pay for college in California and is based on your GPA and financial need. Our school sends your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission, so you just need to file your FAFSA or Dream Act Application by March 2. The Middle Class Scholarship can add more help at UC and CSU. Create a WebGrants account to track your awards.

Compare your offers carefully

Every college will send a financial aid offer. Look at what you'll actually pay after grants and scholarships, not just the total amount of aid. If your family's situation has changed, you can ask a college to review your offer. Bring your offers to me and we'll compare them together.

Scholarships add up

Small and local scholarships often have fewer applicants, so your chances are better. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship. I keep a list of current opportunities on the Scholarships page, so check back often.

Every senior files (or opts out)

California requires every graduating senior to complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, or turn in an opt-out form. Filing doesn't commit you to anything, and it keeps your options open, even if you're not sure about college yet. If you're not planning to file, see me for the opt-out form.