To qualify for the California state grant programs (Cal Grant A and B), all first time Caltech applicants who are California residents must submit a FAFSA and a Cal Grant GPA Verification form by March 2, 2012. It is extremely important that these forms be completed, with no missing information. Please refer to the guidelines below.
FAFSA Questions
- #8 (Social Security Number) If left blank, the student's application will not be processed.
- #18, 19 & 20 (State of Residence) In order to qualify for California grant aid, the student's state of legal residence must be listed as "CA." (For students less than 18 years of age, California residency is determined by the parents' answers to questions #69, 70 and 71). If left blank, the student will be eliminated from grant consideration.
- #24-25 (Parental Education) If parental education level is left blank for either parent, the student will not receive points used in scoring for Cal Grant B. Students who do not know their parents' educational levels should mark "unknown."
- #28 (BA Degree) If marked "yes," the student is ineligible for Cal Grant aid. High school seniors should check "no."
- #29 (Student Grade Level) High school seniors, be sure to indicate "0" - Never attended college and 1st year undergraduate.
- Step Six: (College Release) The student's first listed California school choice will be used to determine grant eligibility. It is advantageous for students to list the most expensive California college (i.e., Caltech) first.
- Step Seven: At least one parent must sign. Students must also sign. (You have the option to sign electronically using a PIN.)
GPA Verification Form
All California residents must complete and submit the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission.
All California residents must complete and submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, which is available from a local high school. The GPA Verification Form must be folded and returned to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2, 2012. Do not send your GPA Verification Form to any other location. Failure to submit a GPA Verification Form will eliminate students from Cal Grant consideration. Students will not be considered for a Cal Grant if the GPA Verification Form is submitted with missing student and/or high school signatures, or if the GPA is left blank. The GPA Verification Form is not required for renewal applicants. However, to renew a Cal Grant award, you must continuously maintain your current eligibility through the entire academic year and must file a FAFSA annually.