When is the application due?

The FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application are due on March 2nd, 2022.

Which application should I fill out?

As a general rule, if you are a US citizen, a legal permanent resident, or you have a social security number, you should fill out the FAFSA. If you are undocumented or qualify for AB540, you should fill out the CA Dream Act Application. If you are not sure which application to fill out, please make an appointment with me here, and we can talk about your specific situation!

Who should apply?

ALL SENIORS SHOULD APPLY! You do not have to be from a low income family to qualify for some form of aid, and every little bit counts. (Even if you don't qualify for Cal Grant, you may still qualify for federal student loans, which have lower interest rates than private loans). Undocumented students are also eligible and should complete the CA Dream Act application!

What if I'm going to CCSF? What if I'm not sure of my plans for next year?

Even if you are planning on going to CCSF, which is free for SF residents, you could still get money to pay for books and other expenses!! If there is even a chance you will attend college in the fall, I highly recommend you complete an application to keep your options open.

What will I need when I'm filling out the application?

Both students and parents will need:

• Social Security Number (if they have one)

• Permanent Residence Card Number (if they have one)

• 2020 Federal Income Tax Returns

• 2020 W-2 Forms

• How much money your family has in checking, savings, cash, investments, etc.

• Which types of federal assistance your family receives (if any), including social security income (SSI), welfare, food stamps, etc.

• If your parents have ever been married, you will need to provide the month & year parents became married, divorced, or widowed

How will I know how much financial aid I am going to receive?

You won't know exactly how much financial aid you qualify for until after you are accepted to a school, and each school may offer you a different amount of money. Once you start hearing back from colleges (usually during spring of senior year), you can view your financial aid offer in each school's online portal. In the meantime, I recommend using a Net Price Calculator at any school you are considering applying to for a rough estimate.

What should I do if I have questions while I'm filling out the application?

We are having an IN-PERSON event for students and families on Saturday, February 12th at Balboa from noon to 2 pm! Please join us and get support completing your application! Laptops and printers will be available and Spanish & Cantonese interpreters will be present.

Additionally, you can use these slides as a resource, as they go over how to complete each section of the FAFSA/CADAA! You can also feel free to check out this video of our virtual Cash For College event (where we went over these slides) or simply reach out to me at bhotung@jcyc.org. I am always happy to sit down with students and families at school or via Zoom to help you complete these applications :)

What do I do once I've submitted my application?

Be sure to create a WebGrants account and see if you have any missing documents or next steps. (This is a necessary step for all students who may be eligible for Cal Grant). After that, apply to scholarships!!!