FAFSA Facts
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
What does CADAA stand for?
California Dream Act Application
What is a scholarship?
Money for college you don’t have to repay
What is a grant?
Free money for college, usually based on financial need
Myth or Fact: "My parents make too much money, so I won’t get any aid."
Myth — You may still qualify for aid like unsubsidized loans or scholarships
When does the FAFSA open each year?
October 1st (⚠️ Can vary — check yearly updates)
Who should fill out the CADAA instead of FAFSA?
Undocumented or AB 540-eligible students in California
Name one place to search for scholarships.
local community orgs, school counselors, teachers, scholarship.com, etc
What is the most common federal grant?
Pell Grant
Myth or Fact: "Only U.S. citizens can receive aid."
Myth — DACA & undocumented students may be eligible for state aid
What is the deadline for submitting the FAFSA in California for priority aid?
March 2nd
True or False: CADAA students can receive Cal Grants.
True. They are eligible for Cal Grants, UC Grants, CSU Grants, CA College Promise Grant
What’s the difference between need-based and merit-based scholarships?
Need-based = awarded based on financial need; Merit-based = awarded based on achievements (grades, talent, etc.)
What is the Cal Grant?
A California state grant for eligible students. Below is what Cal Grant you can get:
Cal Grant A:
Cal Grant B:
Cal Grant C:
Myth or Fact: "You only need to apply for financial aid once."
Myth — You must apply every year you're in college.
What do you need to create your FAFSA account, and who else needs to create a FAFSA account?
You need:
Social Security Number
Full Legal Name
Date of Birth
Your Parents need to create an account with all that information and have their 2024 taxes when filing
Name two types of aid students can apply for through the CADAA.
Cal Grant, California College Promise Grant, state university aid
What’s one thing students should avoid in scholarship applications
Typos, missing deadlines, or not following directions
Can you receive both grants and scholarships?
Yes! They can be combined.
Myth or Fact: "I can’t fill out FAFSA/CADAA if my parents don’t file taxes."
Myth — You can still complete it; additional steps may be needed.
Can undocumented students file the FAFSA?
No — they should file the CADAA instead.
What law allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition in California?
AB 540: Three (3) or more years of full-time high school coursework and attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or high school in California for a combined total of three (3) or more years.
What’s a red flag that a scholarship might be a scam?
They ask for payment, credit card info, or “guarantee” you’ll win.
What is the difference between a grant and a loan?
Grants don’t need to be repaid; loans do.
Loans:
Direct Subsidized Loan: The government pays interest while you're in school
Direct Unsubsidized Loan: You are responsible for all interest, even while in school
Myth or Fact: "Private colleges don’t give financial aid."
Myth — Some give more aid than public colleges.