Financial Aid is available from both the federal and state governments and may be supplemented by colleges or universities that have the resources to do so. There are also many private need- and merit- based scholarships available.

Scholarships
All scholarship information that crosses my desk is entered in Family Connection. Every Gunn student and parent has access to Family Connection - please see or email Mr Lang if you need help accessing it.

FAFSA
Families are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to demonstrate need and establish eligibility for aid. All two and four year colleges, public and private require the FAFSA. The FAFSA is also required for families applying for some of the federal loan programs.

The FAFSA is available on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Both the student and the parent need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign the FAFSA. Having a PIN enables the student or the parent(s) to access their application at any time. Students and parents need separate PINs. You can apply for a PIN today by visiting www.pin.ed.gov.

CSS/Financial Aid Profile
Many private colleges and universities use the information collected from a form called the CSS/Financial Aid Profile in addition to the FAFSA. There is a fee for using the PROFILE; fee waivers are available for students with very low income. For more information and to register for the PROFILE see www.collegeboard.com.

Some private colleges have their own form in place of the PROFILE. Follow the directions colleges send with their application materials to be certain you meet their specific requirements and due dates.

Important Dates
March 2, 2009 California Grant application deadline.
Check with each college or university about that institution’s application deadline.

Financial Aid Presentations and Workshops
Please refer to the CCC calendar for upcoming financial aid workshops.

Financial Aid for college admission tests
See the CCC test page for links.

Applying for Financial Aid can be time consuming and confusing. Please call me if you have any questions at (650) 354-8219. My work schedule is Monday through Friday 7:30am - 2:45pm.
- Leighton Lang