Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• All colleges want this form completed after January 1 during your senior year.
• The Guidance Department will have copies of the FAFSA in December.
• FAFSA is required in order to qualify for federal financial aid programs.
• No fee is necessary. The FAFSA is a “free” form.

California Grant Application and Grade Verification

• If you a going to a California college, you will be considered for Cal Grant if you complete and submit the FAFSA.
• You do not need to complete the GPA Verification Form. The Guidance Department will submit GPA verifications on disk for all Salesian High School seniors. However, you should verify your student’s social security number with Mr. Treseler or Mrs. Cullen as soon as possible.

Individual College Financial Aid Applications and/or the CSS Profile

• The CSS Profile is needed by many private colleges. There is a fee for this service. Some colleges have their own financial aid application in addition to the Profile.
• Students need to contact colleges’ financial aid offices for their supplemental applications.
• Check all deadlines carefully. Submit your applications on time.
• Usually there is no charge for an individual college’s financial aid application.

Financial Aid Workbook and the Web

• One of the best sources of financial aid information is the “Financial Aid Workbook” published each year by the California Student Aid Commission. This workbook explains how to apply for federal and state financial aid opportunities including grants, loans, and work-study programs. You can receive a copy of this free workbook from the Guidance Center after January 4, 2011.
• Check out the websites listed on the last page of this packet for more information.

Financial Aid for College Workshop” offered by Salesian High School

• Workshop will be held on January 13, 2011 at 7:00pm.
• Guest speaker will discuss the FAFSA and provide tips for completing the form.