High School Seniors

If you are planning to go to college next Fall 2026, you need to apply for financial aid now! Deadline for Cal-Grant is March 2, 2026

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

Your Financial Aid-To-Do List

1. Create Your FSA ID

    Your FSA ID is your username and password for your financial aid forms. 

• • Go to studentaid.gov/fsa-id to create it.
  • Use the FSA ID Worksheet to write down your info.
  • Your parent also needs an FSA ID to finish their part of your FAFSA. 

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. Fill Out the 2026–2027 FAFSA or CADAA 

• • Go to studentaid.gov to fill out the FAFSA.
  • Use the FAFSA Worksheet to gather your info.
  • You will need to invite your parent into your FAFSA so they can give consent and sign.
    Your FAFSA won’t be complete until everyone signs and gives consent. 

If you do NOT 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, check your summary and fix anything that looks wrong. 

4. Track Your Cal Grant 

• Log in at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
• Confirm the college you plan to attend to claim your Cal Grant. 

  
5. Follow Up With Your College 

Each college may need extra documents. 
Check your email often and follow up so your aid doesn’t get delayed. 

Have questions? Need help? Just ask — 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: 
Monday-Friday 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Zoom link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/92328108695 
Meeting ID: 923 2810 8695