First-gen college student here: What exactly does the california student aid commission do and how do I know if I qualify for aid?

[BObo]

I'm a high school senior and the first person in my family to apply for college. Everyone keeps talking about FAFSA and financial aid, but I'm honestly overwhelmed. I keep seeing references to the california student aid commission (CSAC) and I'm not sure what their role is. My counselor mentioned that CSAC is the state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs in California . They handle things like Cal Grants and the Middle Class Scholarship, which are separate from federal aid. The part that's really confusing me is the two different applications. Apparently there's the FAFSA for citizens and eligible non-citizens, and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for undocumented students and others who qualify under state rules . CSAC operates the CADAA, so undocumented students can still get state financial aid even if they can't get federal aid . That's actually really important information that I didn't know before.

My biggest question is about deadlines. I've heard March 2nd is the priority deadline for Cal Grants , but my friend who's going to community college said there's a later deadline in September . Is that true? Also, how do I check the status of my Cal Grant once I apply? Someone told me about something called WebGrants for Students where you can manage your state aid awards online . Does that work for both FAFSA and CADAA applicants?

For anyone who's dealt with CSAC before, what's your experience been like? I'm nervous about missing something important and losing out on aid I might qualify for. Also, if I'm undocumented but my parents are citizens, what application do I use? The website mentioned something about mixed-status families but I'm still unclear . Any advice from people who've navigated this would be a huge help.

 

[PatriciaWong]

Hey BObo, first off—major respect for navigating all of this as a first-gen student. It's A LOT, but you're asking exactly the right questions. You're correct about CSAC—they're the state agency that handles Cal Grants and the Dream Act application . The March 2nd deadline is the big one for most students, but you're also right that community college students have a second chance—there's a September 2nd deadline for them . So if your friend is starting at CC, they're covered!

For checking your status, yes—once you apply, you'll want to create a WebGrants 4 Students account. That's where CSAC shows your Cal Grant award and you can update your info . Both FAFSA and CADAA applicants use it. About your specific situation—if you're undocumented but have U.S. citizen parents, that's called a mixed-status family. You actually have a choice between applications, but most students in your position file the CADAA . The UC website has a great breakdown of factors to consider . Definitely talk to your counselor or a Dream Center if your school has one—they deal with this all the time!

You've got this. Don't let the overwhelm stop you from applying!