How to Apply for Aid

If you think you'll need financial assistance to attend UC, you are responsible for applying for financial aid, completing necessary forms and meeting deadlines. When you fill out the University's application for undergraduate admission, you automatically apply for scholarships administered by the University. Some UC scholarships require a supplemental application. More information is available at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/scholarships.

File the FAFSA

To be considered for financial aid such as grants, work-study jobs and student loans, you must submit separately the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Even if you think you may not qualify for financial aid, it's a good idea to file the FAFSA anyway — almost two-thirds of UC students qualify for some sort of financial assistance, and each year millions of dollars in aid money goes unclaimed. It takes only a little time to complete the application.

File the FAFSA between January 1 and March 2, 2010.

If you have filed for financial aid while in community college, you may be able to file the shorter renewal form online. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and choose "Fill out a renewal FAFSA."

Cal Grants

If you are a California resident who does not already have a Cal Grant, you must also file a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.

California residents should file California's GPA Verification Form between January 1 and March 2, 2010.

You can find this form at your community college or any UC campus or high school or by visiting the California Student Aid Commission website.