APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID: IT’S EASY AS STEPS 1, 2, 3
Every year college costs go up and scholarship money is not awarded, low cost government loans are not evaluated, work study programs are left unfulfilled because students (or parents) think they won’t qualify and do not complete the appropriate financial aid forms. Remember: no application, no money!! Let the colleges decide if you qualify.
The Aliso Niguel Guidance department would like to encourage every student to complete both the online FAFSA and the Cal Grant GPA verification form (GPA must be 2.0 or greater to apply for a Cal Grant). To be considered for a Cal Grant you must also complete the FAFSA. Private colleges may also require the CSS Profile (deadlines vary by college). Some scholarships and/or colleges may have an earlier FAFSA deadline. Students who will be attending community college, trade/technical schools should also complete financial aid forms.
Paper copies of the FAFSA worksheet and the FAFSA/financial aid evening presentation are available in the Guidance office for your assistance or you may print the worksheet from the FAFSA website.
Finally, you do not need to pay anyone to fill out the FAFSA or CSS Profile. Please check the FAFSA website for online and phone contacts for FREE help directly from FAFSA. You may also contact the Financial Aid office of the each colleges to which the student applied for assistance.
To file the FAFSA for school year 2009-2010
Step one:
Complete the online application for electronic pin numbers: one for a parent and one for the student
Step Two:
Gather the necessary paperwork for both the parent and the student. Print the paper FAFSA worksheet and fill in the information offline. Once done, you will go online to enter your data. Save your information often during the process so you won’t lose it if your connection is lost.
Step Three:
Be sure you are filing for the 2009-2010 FAFSA. Follow the instructions to complete the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ . You can save it as you go along but be sure to Submit no later than March 2, 2009 (February for some colleges and/or scholarships) You MUST complete the FAFSA if you wish to be considered for Federal loans.
To Apply for a CAL GRANT:
Step One:
Print a verified grade point average (GPA) form Complete the student portion of the GPA verification form then drop off the form in the envelope labeled GPA verification forms (hanging outside Registrar’s office). Mrs. Beck will complete the GPA information.
Step Two:
Student picks up the completed form the next day from the registrar, Mrs. Beck
Step Three:
Mail the form to the California Student Aid Commission by no later than March 2–(pay for a certificate of mailing at the post office). For students attending Community College in California, some schools will accept the Cal Grant form as late as September 2, 2009. First come, first served however. Schools grant monies until it is gone so be sure to file as early as possible.
Step Four:
Be sure to Complete and submit the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 2, 2009
To file the CSS PROFILE:
Step One:
Follow the online instructions to complete the CSS Profile for those private schools that require this form.
NOTE: UC and Cal State do NOT require this form!
