Financial Aid  Saving for college.... ScholarShare College Savings Plan: First and foremost, students and their families are encourage to save money for college expenses. The state of California offers ScholarShare, a federal tax code 529 College Savings Plan, is a federal and state tax-free program as long as it is used later for qualified college expenses. You can open an account with as little as $15 when setting up automatic investments and choose from a number of low-cost investment options that allow you to watch the investment grow over time. The money can then be used at any accredited college nationwide as well as many international schools. Learn more by visiting their website or calling toll-free 800-544-5248. Programs that help you pay for college... Financial Aid is a general term encompassing all different sources of money to help you pay for your college education. While most colleges expect you and your family to contribute toward your education, financial aid can help narrow the gap between your resources and the costs. The following types of financial aid are available from the federal government, states, colleges and private sources: GRANTS: Money you don't have to repay and are typically based on financial need. SCHOLARSHIPS: Free money for college and usually based on your area of study or merit, such as good grades, high test scores, athletic, musical or other special talents, leadership, community service, and sometimes financial need. WORK STUDY: Program that allows you to earn money through certain jobs on or off campus to help pay for your education. LOANS: Borrowed money that you must pay back, usually with interest. Financial Aid Forms The first step in getting funding for college is to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1st and March 2nd of senior year. Seniors planning to attend a California college or university, will also need to submit the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (see below) at least one month prior to the March 2 deadline to the WHS College & Career Center for electronic submission to the California Student Aid Commission office. Some private colleges may require an additional form called the CSS Profile to award private funds. In order to complete the FAFSA or the Cal Grant form, all students must have a Social Security Number and be a U.S. citizen -or- have an Alien Registration Number. March 2nd is the deadline for FINANCIAL AID! Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Due March 2 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form: Due March 2 Go to the following link, complete the form, print and submit to the WHS College and Career Center: California Dream Act: AB540 Requirements A student who meets all of the following requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at the California State Universities (CSU and UC) and the California Community Colleges: (1) High school attendance in California for three or more years (2) Graduation from a California high school or attainment of the equivalent thereof. (3) Registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an accredited institution of higher education in California not earlier than the fall semester or quarter of the 2001-02 academic year. (4) In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, the filing of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.
CSS Profile: This profile is required by some colleges to provide them with more detailed information about the financial status of the student's family so that the college can make a more informed decision about the financial aid the college can offer. | 
