High School Seniors

Planning to attend college in Fall 2027? Start preparing for financial aid now!

Complete the 2027–2028 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to apply for financial aid. Deadline for Cal-Grant is March 2, 2027

You’ve got this, and we’re here to help every step of the way!

Your Financial Aid-To-Do List

1. Create Your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account

    Your FSA ID is your username and password for your completing the FAFSA

• • Go to studentaid.gov/fsa-id to create your account.
  • Use the FSA ID Worksheet to write down your info.
  • Invite your required parent contributor(s) to complete their section.
  • Your FAFSA will not be complete until all required contributors provide consent and sign.

    Parent FSA ID Tips: 

• • Married & filed taxes together → 1 parent needs an FSA ID
  • Married & filed taxes separately → both parents need an FSA ID
  • Divorced or separated → the parent who supported you the most creates the FSA ID
  • Parents can still create an FSA ID even without a Social Security Number 
     

2. Complete the 2027–2028 FAFSA or CADAA-Open to everyone on October 1, 2026.

• • Go to studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA.
  • Use the FAFSA Worksheet to gather your info.
  • Invite your required parent contributor(s) to complete their section.
  • Your FAFSA will not be complete until all required contributors provide consent and sign.

Don't have a Social Security Number?

• Go to dream.csac.gov to complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
• CADAA helps undocumented students, DACA students, U Visa holders, TPS students, and others who qualify under AB 540 get state financial aid. 
   

3. Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary 

After you submit your FAFSA, review your FAFSA Submission Summary and correct any errors.

4. Track Your Cal Grant 

• Log in to WebGrants 4 Students at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
• Review your Cal Grant status and make sure your school of attendance and high school graduation information are correct.

  
5. Follow Up With Your College 

Each college may require additional documents.
Check your email and student portal regularly and submit requested documents as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Have questions? Need help?

We are here to support you! 

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Email: contact.finaid@imperial.edu (please include IVC student ID number)
Phone: 760-355-6266

Computer Lab Hours: 
Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Virtual Lab Hours: 
Monday-Friday 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Zoom link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/92328108695 
Meeting ID: 923 2810 8695