myCSUSM
Month-by-Month Application Steps Checklist - Transfers
If you would like to apply to CSUSM and ACE Scholars Services, please do all of the following during the specified months. If you have any questions, please contact us at ace@csusm.edu or 760-750-4ACE (4223).
August
Step 1:
At the start of your last year at community college meet with a counselor to be sure you are meeting transfer requirements needed for admission to CSUSM.
September
Step 2:
Start researching scholarship opportunities, including those specifically for foster youth such as Just in Time for Foster Youth, The San Diego Foundation, Promises2Kids, Foster Care to Success and Fostering Opportunities Dollars for Scholars. Be sure to check out the ACE Transfer Scholarship! Be mindful of application deadlines.
Step 3:
Complete and submit the ACE Scholars Services application.
October
WHEN YOU SEE PUMPKINS, IT’S TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR CSUSM APPLICATION AND COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA AND CHAFEE APPLICATION!
Step 4:
Complete and submit the California State University application on Cal State Apply. Be sure to include California State University San Marcos as one of your choices.
Step 5:
Submit official transcripts from all college and universities attended to CSUSM in order to complete your CSUSM application or your application will be withdrawn. February 15 deadline
Step 6:
Complete and submit the form for the FSA ID (formerly known as the Federal Personal Identification Number, or PIN), if you haven't already done so in the past. You will need this FSA ID (made up of a username and password) to complete your financial aid application.
Step 7:
Complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) BEGINNING OCTOBER 1 (*2024-2025 FAFSA will be available January 2024). Do not wait for the April 2nd for 2024-2025 deadline to do this! The sooner, the better.
Step 8:
Fill out the application for the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth. (IMPORTANT: This grant is available to foster youth on a limited basis — getting it done in October may increase your chances of receiving it.) April 2nd for 2024-2025 deadline.
Step 9:
Scan/email or mail your Verification of Dependency letter (this is a requirement for moving forward with your ACE Scholars Services Application):
ACE Scholars Services
California State University San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. Administrative Building 3400
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Email: ace@csusm.edu
*** Applications to CSU San Marcos for Fall 2024 close February 16th. There are no exceptions, therefore we recommend that you complete and submit your application by the end of October.***
November
Step 10:
Make sure you submitted your ACE Scholars Services application and ACE Transfer Scholarship application (refer to SEPTEMBER) and the California State University San Marcos and FAFSA applications (refer to OCTOBER).
Step 11:
From this point on, check your email every day. CSUSM and ACE Scholars Services communicate with students through email about important deadlines, requests for documents and so on. It’s important to take care of any email requests right away.
***Applications to CSU San Marcos for Fall 2024 close on February 16th. There are no exceptions***
January
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Step 12:
Make sure you submitted official transcripts from all college and universities attended to CSUSM in order to complete your CSUSM application or your application will be withdrawn. February 15th deadline.
***Deadline for submitting the FAFSA, Chafee Grant, and GPA Verification is April 2nd for 2024-2025. However, it is HIGHLY recommended that all are completed as early as possible***
February
Step 13:
Set up a free account at the California Student Aid Commission site which allows you to keep track of Cal Grant and Chafee applications, aid awards, change of address, change of college choice and so on.
Step 14:
Schedule your personal, on-campus interview with ACE Scholars Services staff; this is a requirement for participation in the program. This is the final step in the application process so you will know if you are accepted into the ACE Scholars Services program at this point.
***Deadline for the FAFSA, Chafee, and GPA Verification is April 2nd for 2024-2025. It is HIGHLY recommended that it all be completed as soon as possible***
April
Step 15:
Once you have been accepted to Cal State San Marcos, go to the Checklist for Admitted Students.
Step 16:
Remember to file your intent to enroll at CSUSM by the May 15th deadline. If you miss this deadline, you miss out on your chance to attend CSUSM. No exceptions!
May
Step 17:
Submit a request to your community college to send your final transcript to CSUSM. Transcripts must be received at CSUSM by July 15th.