College and Career Readiness

Completing the FAFSA/CADAA provides students with financial aid opportunities at many trade schools, community colleges and universities. The application requirement became effective in the 2022/20223 school year and continues this year as well.  In the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, ALL seniors will have an opportunity to complete the FAFSA/CADAA at school with the support of trained staff.  However, for convenience, seniors may also complete the FAFSA /CADAA at home.    

The FAFSA/CADAA applications will open on December 1^st, 2024.  The both the FAFSA and the CADAA were redesigned last year.  The goal is to shorten the FAFSA and make it easier to complete.  The FAFSA/CADAA will remain open through March 2, 2025 for Cal-Grant consideration. Students will be expected to have submitted their FAFSA/CADAA by May 1^st, 2025.

All our high schools are providing help and support to our seniors in this process.  School Counselors and Career Center Technicians are completing classroom visits, small group presentations, evening workshops, and individualized help for students.

Please help support your senior in completing their FAFSA/CADAA application by encouraging them to see their Counselor or the Career Tech or by helping them complete it at home with you. 

If you have any questions regarding FASFSA/CADAA completion, please contact the counseling office at your student’s school.   

• Here is a great article on understanding financial aid from US News and World Report.  https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/an-ultimate-guide-to-understanding-college-financial-aid 
• Additional Parent support information, in regard to college and financial aid, can be found on the US Department of Education’s Student Aid Commission’s website. https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help
• The California State Aid Commission developed an updated FAQ page for families. https://www.csac.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/better_fafsa_frequently_asked_questions.pdf?1701990250
• Information about the FAFSA/CADAA and who should complete which application.  https://immigrantsrising.org/wp-content/uploads/Immigrants-Rising_FAFSA-vs-CA-Dream-Act-Apply-to-the-Correct-Financial-Aid-in-CA.pdf
• The California Student Aid Commission also has created a checklist for graduating seniors. https://www.csac.ca.gov/pod/financial-aid-checklist

LEUSD will submit all GPAs for current seniors at the beginning of the senior year in accordance with Cal-Grant requirements.  All seniors will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant unless the student and their parent/guardian has opted out prior to the high school's submission of GPAs to the Commission. Students who DO NOT OPT-OUT will have their GPA submitted to the California Student Aid Commission at the beginning of their senior year to be considered for a Cal Grant award. Students who do not want Lake Elsinore Unified School District to report a GPA, please complete the Cal Grant GPA Opt-Out Form and return it to the Counseling Office of your high school by the end of the student’s junior year.

 Cal-Grant GPA Opt Out Form English/Cal-Grant GPA Opt Out Form Spanish - This only prevents the district from releasing the GPA; it does not exempt a student from completing the FAFSA or CADAA