The Cal Grant
It’s that time to start to filling out the financial aid application for the 2019-20 academic year. Most college financial aid policies require all undergraduate, California residents to apply for a Cal Grant from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) if they plan on qualifying for the Cal Grant. Here are some tips and steps for dealing with the Cal Grant:
- Certify your GPA – If a college cannot certify your GPA because you have taken less than 40 units at that college by the end of fall 2018 (12/2018), you have the following steps that need to be completed. You, and either your high school or your previous college, will need to complete the Cal Grant Grade-Point Average Verification form for 2019-20 and submit it to the CSAC by 03/02/2019. Follow the instructions on the CSAC website to determine which school should verify the GPA. Be aware that the 2019-20 FAFSA has already, or soon will be completed for you, and will be coupled with the Grade-Point Verification form to determine your eligibility for the Cal Grant.
Filing for the March 2, 2019, Cal Grant Award Deadline
To be considered for a 2019-20 Cal Grant award, you must have completed both of these application requirements by March 2, 2018*:
- Submitted a 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a 2019-20 California Dream Act Application.
2. Ensured that a certified Grade Point Average (GPA) was submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (Commission). Your high school must submit your GPA electronically unless you opt out by October 15th.
2019-20 Cal Grant applications are accepted through Friday, March 2, 2019.
The Commission will not process any GPAs that may have been submitted in prior years. In order for a student to be considered for a 2019-20 Cal Grant award, a new GPA form must be received by the Commission by the stated deadline.
Do the following:
- Print and complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form for 2019-20 by 03/02/2019. You can obtain the form at:
http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=1177
- Using black ink, you the student, must complete all requested information under the student portion of the form and any appropriate school official must complete the appropriate section of the form pertaining to them.
- You should obtain a Certificate of Mailing from the U.S. Postal Service as proof you submitted the GPA form by the 03/02/2019 deadline.
- Students who fail to meet the 03/02/2019 deadline will not be considered for the Cal Grant.
As always, if you have any questions about applying for the CAL Grant, please don’t hesitate to contact our office by email at info@yorkshirecollegeplanning.com or by phone at (858) 798-5616