FAFSA & Financial Aid
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
How many UC campuses are there?
10 Total, 9 undergraduate campuses
A student is overwhelmed by applications. What’s your first step?
Break tasks down / provide reassurance
When are the SIR due?
May 1st
One skill every college access professional needs.
Communication, empathy, organization
True or False: Students must have filed taxes to complete FAFSA
False
What does “A–G” refer to? & Name each category.
College preparatory course requirements
A- History/Social Science (2)
B-English(4)
C-Mathematics(3)+1 recommended
D-Science(2)
E- Language other than English (2)+1 recommended
F- Visual & Performing Arts (1)
G- College Preparatory-Elective
A student misses a deadline. What’s one support strategy?
Appeals, alternatives, reflection, and planning
What does PIQ stand for, and how many need to respond?
Personal Insight Questions, 4
One barrier students commonly face.
Financial, academic, and family responsibilities
Name 3 type of federal aid students may receive from FAFSA
Grants, loans, work-study
Name 10 CSUs
San Diego State, San Francisco State, San Jose State, Cal Poly SLO, Cal Poly Pomona, Long Beach, Fullerton, Northridge, Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Humboldt, LA, Monterey Bay, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Marcos, Sonoma State, and the California Maritime Academy.
A student doesn’t know their major. What do you recommend?
Exploration, counseling, and interest assessments
What does CCGI stand for?
California College Guidance Initiative
What is systemwide acceptance rate for UCs in 2025?
77%
What major change simplified FAFSA in recent years?
Reduced number of questions / IRS Direct Data Exchange
What is Dual Enrollment?
lets high school students take college-level courses to earn both high school and college credits.
A family fears FAFSA due to immigration status. What do you explain?
FAFSA doesn’t check immigration status of parents
What does FERPA protect?
Student education records privacy
What is the primary mission of college access programs?
Increase college eligibility, access, and persistence
Who can complete FAFSA if a student has special circumstances?
Financial Aid Administrator/ Specialists
Which two majors are the most competitive to get into for a UC and CSU?
Nursing and Engineering
A student is accepted but can’t afford it. What’s next?
Financial aid review, appeals, scholarships, alternatives
What does AP & IB stand for?
AP stands for Advanced Placement
IB stands for International Baccalaureate
Which are the most popular Dual Enrollment classes?
Psychology
Communication
Sociology