Financial Aid Deadline Extended / New Math Validation

Update on financial aid: Filing deadline extension

The state priority deadline for financial aid in California has been extended to April 2, 2025. Based on the delayed launch of the financial aid cycle, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has approved requests to extend the statewide priority aid application deadline for all students in California.

I encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as soon as possible, but before the state deadline. Completing the appropriate application earlier will allow applicants to receive their financial aid offers in March.

The University of California is postponing implementation of the updated math validation rules for one year, as some California high schools may need additional time to adjust their math curricula to not affect students’ eligibility.

Update on math area C (high school)

The changes to the math validation rules will take effect in the 2026–27 academic year, rather than as previously stated in 2025–26.

• For coursework taken in 2025–26 and prior, courses approved in Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, Other Advanced Math and Additional Math can be used to satisfy the required third year or used as an additional year of math.

• Beginning with coursework taken in fall 2026 and later, courses in the Statistics or Additional Math disciplines will no longer validate Algebra II or Math III. Such courses, however, will remain in Area C and can be used as extra math courses.
• Planned changes to validation of grade deficiencies in geometry will be postponed until fall 2026. After that time, more advanced courses will no longer be able to validate a deficient grade in geometry.