UC applicants seeking 2027-2028 financial aid should file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027 and confirm their Cal Grant GPA submission. UC lists an application window of October 1, 2026-March 2, 2027. The aid form and GPA check are separate tasks.
Official information checked October 23, 2026.
Quick Summary
Choose one aid application, prepare the required account access and ask your school about its GPA submission. Then monitor both your aid application and Cal Grant record. This guide focuses on UC applicants; it does not treat every California college's deadline as identical.
FAFSA or CADAA?
The San Mateo County Office of Education's current guide says to complete one form, not both. It directs U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible noncitizens to FAFSA; undocumented, Dream Act-eligible students use CADAA. Ask your college's financial aid office if you are unsure which route fits your status.
The county guide confirms that 2027-2028 applications opened October 1, 2026. The current Federal Student Aid announcement identifies that form year with attendance from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. Select the year matching your enrollment; ask your school which form to use for a summer session.
Do not skip the Cal Grant GPA check
The UC application instructions tell California residents and AB540-eligible students to make sure their GPA is submitted for Cal Grant consideration in addition to the aid form. Most California high schools and California community colleges submit GPAs automatically, but UC specifically recommends checking with your school.
If the school does not submit automatically, use UC's link to the Cal Grant GPA verification instructions and arrange school submission. UC lists March 2, 2027 for the aid application and GPA verification, including its postmark guidance. Verify receipt rather than assuming the FAFSA alone completed the state-aid process.
A practical October checklist
- Confirm the correct 2027-2028 aid form and application route.
- For FAFSA, prepare your own StudentAid.gov account access. Parents or contributors who must participate need their own accounts, as the county guide explains.
- Ask the school counselor whether your Cal Grant GPA has been sent and how to resolve any missing submission.
- Keep submission confirmations and a note of which office handles follow-up. These are organizational steps, not a substitute for completing the official forms.
How to follow the California aid record
After filing, the county guide directs students to WebGrants 4 Students for Cal Grant status, corrections and school or address updates. CADAA applicants receive a Dream ID number from CSAC for creating that account. Follow the instructions sent to you, and contact CSAC if your record needs attention.
Admission and an aid offer are separate
UC's admission application is a separate step. Accepted campuses calculate their own aid offers, so monitor campus email and portals for requests and respond promptly. Filing a form does not guarantee an award. UC also instructs enrolled students to apply for aid again each year.
Disclaimer
Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.