State Deadline for Federal Financial Aid Applications is March 2

Hey Moorpark students, if you're planning on attending college next year and are hoping to receive financial aid, now's the time to apply for it.

The U.S. Department of Education's office of Federal Student Aid has made the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) available for the 2012-2013 school year. Though the national deadline for submitting the application isn't until June 30, the deadline to be considered for initial awards in California is March 2. Individual colleges might also have their own deadlines.

The government uses the FAFSA to determine how much money you and/or your family is expected to pay toward your college education and to determine your federal grants and loans. Most colleges also use the FAFSA to determine their own financial aid awards.

Note that part of the application process to be considered for California state financial aid is verifying grade point average. Moorpark High School does not electronically transmit the GPAs. Each senior applying for state aid must fill out a Cal Grant GPA verification form and submit it by the March 2 deadline. Current Moorpark High seniors can download the form on the school's website (select "college career center" or "counseling" from the menu on the left).

The FAFSA itself can be completed online. Find more about completing the FAFSA here.