Financial Aid Can Help Pay for Your Future
Financial aid is money available to help students pay for
education after high school. Completing a financial aid
application can open the door to federal, state, college,
university, and other financial assistance.
Students planning to attend a college, university, community
college, career school, or eligible technical training program
should complete the appropriate application each year.
Types of Financial Aid
Grants
Financial aid that generally does not need to be repaid,
including federal, state, and institutional grants.
Scholarships
Awards based on criteria such as achievement, interests,
community involvement, financial need, or other qualifications.
Work-Study
Eligible students may earn money through part-time employment
while attending college or career school.
Student Loans
Borrowed money that must be repaid. Students should understand
loan terms before accepting borrowed financial aid.
FAFSA or California Dream Act Application?
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA is the federal financial aid application used by
eligible students to apply for federal student aid and to
determine eligibility for many state, college, university,
and institutional aid programs.
Financial aid available through the FAFSA may include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal student loans
- Cal Grants and other California aid
- College and university financial aid
Start the FAFSA
CADAA
California Dream Act Application
The California Dream Act Application provides access to
California financial aid for eligible students who should
not complete the FAFSA.
Eligible CADAA applicants may be considered for financial
aid such as:
- Cal Grants
- State and university grants
- Community college fee assistance
- Middle Class Scholarship
- Some private scholarships
Start the CADAA
California Grade 12 Financial Aid Requirement
Financial Aid Application Completion
California law requires school districts to confirm that
graduating 12th-grade students complete and submit either the
FAFSA or, when appropriate, the
California Dream Act Application.
A parent or guardian — or an eligible student who is 18 or
legally emancipated — may also choose to complete the state's
financial aid application opt-out process.
A student is not prevented from graduating or otherwise
penalized for not completing a financial aid application.
The goal of the requirement is to make sure students understand
and have access to financial aid opportunities.
Getting Started
1
Determine Which Application to Complete
Most eligible U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens complete
the FAFSA. Students who qualify for California aid through
the Dream Act may complete the CADAA instead.
2
Create Your Accounts
FAFSA students need their own StudentAid.gov account.
Required FAFSA contributors, such as a parent, must also
have their own separate StudentAid.gov account.
3
Complete & Submit Your Application
Complete every required section, invite any required
contributors, provide signatures, list the schools you are
considering, and submit the application as early as possible.
What Should I Gather?
Prepare Before You Begin
The exact information required depends on your circumstances,
but students completing the FAFSA should be prepared with:
- Your StudentAid.gov account information
- Information for any required parent or other contributors
- Federal income tax information when applicable
- Records of assets when required
- Records of child support received when applicable
- A list of colleges or career schools you are considering
FAFSA Preparation Checklist
Apply Early & Watch Your Deadlines
Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute
Financial aid deadlines may differ for federal aid, California
state aid, individual colleges, universities, and scholarship
programs.
California's priority deadline for many state financial aid
programs is generally March 2. Students should
always verify the deadline for the specific award year and the
colleges or programs to which they are applying.
Applying early gives students more time to correct errors,
provide additional documentation when requested, and meet
college-specific deadlines.
After You Submit
Review Your Application
FAFSA applicants should review their FAFSA Submission
Summary and correct any errors or missing information.
Check WebGrants 4 Students
California students should monitor their WebGrants 4 Students
account for Cal Grant and other state financial aid information.
Watch College Portals & Email
Colleges may request additional information before they can
finalize your financial aid offer.
Financial Aid Help & Resources
Federal Student Aid
Complete the FAFSA, manage your StudentAid.gov account,
estimate aid eligibility, and find official federal
financial aid information.
Federal Student Aid
California Student Aid Commission
Find information about Cal Grants, the California Dream
Act Application, Middle Class Scholarship, and other
California financial aid programs.
California Student Aid
WebGrants 4 Students
After submitting a financial aid application, use WebGrants
4 Students to monitor California state financial aid status
and complete required steps.
WebGrants 4 Students
Cash for College
California Student Aid Commission Cash for College
workshops provide free assistance to students and families
completing FAFSA and CADAA applications.
Find a Cash for College Workshop
Federal Student Aid Estimator
Get an early estimate of the federal student aid for which
you may qualify before completing the FAFSA.
Estimate Federal Student Aid
WCW Counseling
Students who need help understanding the financial aid
process can also reach out to their Will C. Wood counselor.
Counseling Staff
Don't Forget Scholarships
Financial Aid Is Only Part of the Picture
Students should also apply for scholarships throughout senior
year. Will C. Wood maintains a scholarship bulletin and provides
information about local scholarships available specifically to
graduating seniors.
Visit the WCW Scholarships Page
Apply — Even If You Aren't Sure You'll Qualify
Completing a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application can
provide access to financial aid students may not realize is
available. Applying does not require a student to accept loans
or other aid, and completing the process can help families make
a more informed decision about college, career school, and
postsecondary opportunities.