How to Apply To be eligible for financial aid, you must be admitted to the College and select an approved degree or certificate program. You must also complete the following 2 forms each academic year: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Go to FAFSA to complete this application. Be aware that if you're a dependent student (i.e. most students under the age of 24), you need to include parent information. (GCC's school code, which is required to complete the FAFSA, is 002169.) GCC Financial Aid Intent to Enroll Form: This form provides key information for financial aid counselors to use in evaluating applications. Complete the Intent to Enroll form online, or request a hard copy from our office (413-775-1109) or by email at sfs@gcc.mass.edu. Priority Deadlines Students who are entering GCC for the spring semester and who wish to be considered for financial aid should have filed a completed FAFSA and GCC Financial Aid Intent to Enroll Form before November 1. The Financial Aid Office will try to notify students who meet this deadline of an award before their bills are due in January. To be considered for all available financial aid, a student should have filed a completed FAFSA and GCC Financial Aid Intent to Enroll Form before May 1. The Financial Aid Office will try to notify students who meet this deadline of an award before their bills are due in August. Packaging Policy Funds are awarded based on need, residency, and funds availability. Financial need is determined by subtracting a student's "expected family contribution" (called the "EFC") and other outside financial resources from estimated student expenses. The EFC is determined by the U. S. Department of Education for every applicant from information provided on the FAFSA. The EFC is based on household size, number of household members enrolled in college, income, and taxes paid, among other factors.