<p>So last year I was one of the paranoid seniors waiting on my laptop for FAFSA to open -- oh yeah, and the new year. They say financial aid is first come first serve, so who'll be waiting for the ball to drop so they can fill out their FAFSA instead of having their New Year's Kiss?</p>
<p>Anyone get great FA after filling the FAFSA out so early (to those who applied to UCs/CSUs as HS seniors)? I know I didn't last year. Does filling out the application so early really give you the best FA? Or, will your FA mostly count on your/your parent's income?</p>
<p>It’s being highly exaggerated. People have until June to turn them in. People that turn them in after that, have a lesser chance of getting the full amount they would normally qualify for.</p>
<p>I filled mine out late my first year at CC. I still got the full amount I just received my check much later than I would have. As far as I know, one’s financial need matters much more than when they submit. Curious to see actual documentation on this topic though. Also, most people don’t even receive their W-2 forms until the end of January or February so how can you fill out your fafsa on the 1st?</p>
<p>@Ryan2136 Actually, you should file your FAFSA by March 2. “For academic year 2012-13, the priority deadline for filing a FAFSA is March 2, 2012.” - [UC</a> Berkeley Financial Aid and Scholarships Office: Graduates Apply for Aid](<a href=“http://students.berkeley.edu/finaid/graduates/apply.htm]UC”>http://students.berkeley.edu/finaid/graduates/apply.htm) You should have your FAFSA filed by then ESPECIALLY if you want a CAL grant. Speaking of the CAL grant, anyone know if we need to reapply/send our college transcripts to them?</p>
<p>@LAladyy Estimate now, and then update it later.</p>
<p>Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2013.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 23, 2013.
State Deadline
California - For initial awards - March 2, 2012. Applicants encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA. Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.
For additional community college awards - September 2, 2012 - date postmarked. Applicants encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA. Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.</p>
<p>But yeah, i guess you’re right. Not sure what the whole june 30 2013 due date is for…2013? lol.</p>
<p>btw, I never applied for the cal grant…does it help a lot? and does it even apply to uc students? I mean the blue and gold will pretty much cover everything won’t it?</p>
<p>I keep seeing people say that Blue & Gold will cover them. While that is true, you guys do know that you won’t actually get money from Blue & Gold Plan right? It’s a plan where they take your Cal Grant, UC scholarships, and loans to pay off “tuition,” not a type of financial aid.
<p>So to answer your question about Cal Grant @Ryan2136, yes it helps A LOT. The Cal Grant pretty much covers your “tuition.” And, I keep putting " " because California residents really don’t pay tuition because of the Cal Grant.</p>
<p>@Ryan NOOOOO buddy, not June, you’re gonna be in big trouble if you wait that long. Deadline is March 2nd.</p>
<p>I mean the sooner the better right? Not making any specific references, but why do we want to wait till the last minute? These college acceptances are a MAJOR life changer, we should be tackling this stuff way ahead of time, No?</p>
