How Do I Prepare to Apply for Financial Aid?

Applying for financial aid has a lot of steps. It’s easier if you plan ahead. Make sure you know when applications are due. Take some time to gather important information. Use this checklist and your CaliforniaColleges.edu account to stay on track. 

Getting started.

▢ Review the different kinds of financial aid. Learn about federal and state financial aid and scholarships. 

▢ Find your net price for each college on your list. Net price is how much your college will cost after grants and scholarships. In other words, it’s the price you’ll really have to pay.  

▢ Talk to your family about how you plan to pay for college. 

Know your deadlines.

▢ Apply for federal and/or state financial aid starting October 1 and no later than March 2.

• U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

• Undocumented students use the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 

▢ If you’re a current or former foster youth, complete the Chafee Grant application by March 2. 

▢ Get help filling out your FAFSA, CADAA, or Chafee Grant application. Attend a Cash for College workshop between October and March. 

▢ Make sure your high school submits your Cal Grant GPA by March 2. Check the Cal Grant tab in My Financial Aid Plan. You can also log in to WebGrants 4 Students.

▢ Apply for a California College Promise Grant through CCCApply. Learn how to launch your application from your account. Check with your college for deadlines.

▢ Complete the CSS Profile for some private colleges starting October 1. Deadlines are usually in spring, but sometimes earlier. Plan to apply at least two weeks before the earliest deadline. 

▢ Look into private scholarships. Ask your counselor which scholarships might be a good fit, check out Mira Mesa scholarships page.  Add them to your Scholarship List in My Financial Aid Plan. 

▢ Keep track of your federal and state financial aid applications in My Financial Aid Plan. 

Gather information.

▢ Make sure you have these numbers or documents handy for both you and your parents.   

• Social Security number (SSN) or Alien Registration number.

• Driver’s license number.

• Federal tax information or tax returns (W-2 and IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ).

• Cash, savings, and checking account balances.

• Details about investments, like stocks, bonds, business or farm assets, or real estate (except the home you live in).

• Records of some untaxed income, including child support, interest income (also known as dividends), and veterans noneducation benefits. 

Use the post-application checklist for steps to follow after you apply for financial aid.