So for the past two years I’ve been attending a community college so there’s been no need for me to apply for cal grants. I never applied for any Cal Grants while at CCC.
I applied to some UCs back in November (SB, LA, and Berkeley), but shortly after applying I decided that I was going to take a year off to work and save up. Therefore, I never submitted a FAFSA form.
I wasn’t expecting to get into any of these schools but I got into all three and since I don’t have a job anymore thanks to the pandemic, I want to just continue with my education. I received my acceptances towards the end of March, whereas the deadline for FAFSA/Cal Grant was March 2nd. I just filled out my FAFSA a few weeks ago, past the Cal Grant deadline. My GPA verification was sent in by my school on Feb 2nd. I know they offer a Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement award but the deadline was also March 2nd.
I keep beating myself over it. I know I should’ve applied for FAFSA regardless but I really didn’t think I would be attending any schools, let alone out of a job. I’m listed as an independent even though my parents don’t financially support me, so I really need this.
My question is, is it too late for me to receive Cal Grant?
If it’s too late, will I be able to receive two grants the following year? As in if I didn’t receive it this year, will the grant be carried over to the following year?
Any insight would be helpful, thank you.
Contact the school that you want to attend.
The Calgrants are awarded based on the State’s budget. They are firm about the March 2nd date because they have to budget and approve their money for the thousands of California students asking for aid. They publicize it well, and advise the financial aid offices at the universities to reinforce the date.
No.
This isn’t an entitlement or savings account that you can automatically access. The state has very limited funding, especially this year for NEXT year.
If you miss the deadline, you miss the deadline. Contact the school and see if there is someone who declined the grant. That’s rare. You can ask but don’t expect that they will fund you at this late date.
Read up on the CalGrant. I’ve added the fact sheet that you need to read.
The March 2nd deadline has been around since I was awarded a CalGrant in the late 70’s.
Call the California Aid Commission and see if anything can be done.