Hoover High School hosted a GUSD Financial Aid (FAFSA) Information Night, presented by representatives from Glendale Community College (GCC), on Tuesday in the Student Union.
The event covered FAFSA, CADAA, the CSS Profile, Cal Grant, the application process, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid requirements for specific private colleges.
“GCC offers FAFSA and CADAA assistance for incoming students who are graduates or returning,” financial aid advisor Tony Alvatorre said.
Alvatorre explained the differences between the two major applications, noting that FAFSA is for U.S. citizens, while the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is intended for undocumented students.
“Both give state financial aid, while FAFSA only gives access to federal aid,” he said.
He emphasized that students should submit only one application—FAFSA or CADAA—based on their eligibility.
“If you submit both, it will likely delay your application from going through fully, risking one being processed instead of the other,” Alvatorre said.
Alvatorre also reviewed the four major types of financial aid: grants such as Cal Grants, scholarships, work-study programs like on-campus jobs, and loans.
He walked families through the FAFSA application step-by-step, showing what the online form looks like.
“The FAFSA application will need information from one parent or guardian who has access to a Social Security number, tax income, and records of income,” he explained.
He reminded students and parents to enter all information accurately.
“It is important that both students and parents do not make any mistakes throughout the process, like forgetting to include a middle initial in someone’s legal name,” Alvatorre clarified.
After submitting the application, he noted, “you’ll receive your student aid report,” which confirms completion.
Alvatorre also shared additional support resources, including upcoming financial aid workshops on campus and a future in-person FAFSA and CADAA application event.
