GU Scholarship/FAFSA

GEAR UP Scholarship Form

GEAR UP Scholarship FAQ

NEW CT State One College Application

GEAR UP East Hartford - Scholarship PDF

NEW CT State One College Application

As a GEAR UP CT participant, you are eligible for a GEARUP CT Scholarship in addition to any other outside scholarships you may receive.

It is the responsibility of both the student and parent/guardian to complete all required GEAR UP CT consent forms to participate in the program offered in East Hartford, Meriden, and Waterbury.

To receive the GEAR UP CT Scholarship, every student must:

Please note: All students are required to complete the GEARUP Scholarship and Postsecondary Supports Application (available through their local GEAR UP program) to ensure eligibility and timely scholarship processing.

To receive the GEAR UP CT Scholarship, students must attend a Title IV institution.

Students and families also receive assistance with financial aid literacy, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and identifying scholarships and other funding opportunities to make college more affordable.

Through this collaborative approach, students and families gain the information, resources, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their educational futures, establishing a strong foundation for long-term academic and career success.

NEW CT State One College Application

FAFSA® Updates

The 2026–27 FAFSA® Application is Now Open!

‍The 2026–27 FAFSA is officially open for students to apply for financial aid for the award year July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.

Apply as soon as possible to maximize your eligibility for grants, scholarships, and federal aid.

Start Your 2026–27 FAFSA® Application Here

How to Prepare for FAFSA

  • Prepare now so you can complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available on or before Dec 1, 2024.
  • Here are some ways you can get ready now before 12/1/2024:

STEP 1: Create a StudentAid.gov Account

Each contributor (you, your parents(s), or your parents’ spouse-anyone who will provide information) must create a StudentAid.gov account to access and complete their section of the FAFSA.

What You’ll Need

  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) (if applicable)
  • A personal email address (not your school email — use Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook)
  • Your password — write it down or save it securely.
Create Your StudentAid.gov Account (FSA ID)

NOTE:

  • Contributors without an SSN can still create an account and complete their portion ofthe FAFSA
  • If you already have an FSA ID, use your existing account — do not create a new one.

STEP 2: Starting Your
FAFSA® Form

The 2025–26 FAFSA form will be available on or before Dec 1, 2024, for the award year that runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

LOGIN HERE TO BEGIN YOUR FAFSA APPLICATION

2025-2026 FAFSA® APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form allows a student to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But, since some aid is limited, you must meet the deadlines!

  • The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2026.
  • Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 13, 2026.

DEADLINES FOR CT HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:

  • ALL Connecticut high school seniors must submit their FAFSA application by Feb. 15, 2025, for priority consideration.
  • All other financial and/or institutional aid, a student MUST check with the financial aid office at the college or career school they plan to attend and have been accepted to. Additional forms may be required by that institute of higher education.
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