How to Apply

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 3 MINUTES

This section collects basic student information.

• Student name (first, preferred, last)
• Student email address
• Student mailing address
• Birthdate
• Gender
• Grade level
• Cell phone number
• Ethnic background
• First generation college student
• How did you hear about CSSSA?

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 3 MINUTES

This section collects parent / guardian contact information. Parents / guardians are cc’d on all student communications.

• Parent / guardian name (first, last)
• Home phone
• Work phone
• Cell phone
• Email address

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 3 MINUTES

This section collects information on the student’s school and arts background.

• School
• School address
• Availability of arts resources in your school
• Years you have been practicing your arts discipline

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 5 MINUTES

CSSSA no longer requires letters of recommendation. However, in the event we have a question about your application, we require that you provide the contact information of two (2) teachers.

References can be arts teachers, non-arts teachers, college counselors, school administrators, private instructors, or extracurricular activity leaders. Choose someone who can speak to your ability to succeed in our program. We do not accept peer references.

• Name (first, last)
• Email address
• Phone / Cell
• Relationship
• Organization / School
• Organization / School Address

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: SEVERAL DAYS TO SEVERAL WEEKS

CSSSA offers seven (7) distinct departments. Find out more about the application requirements of each Academic Department, navigate to each department’s page.

Each department has its own set of assignments that must be completed for your application to be considered. 2026 application assignments will be posted on our website by November 1, 2026.

If you are a returning student, you will also need to submit a Returning Student essay. The purpose of this essay is to reflect on your previous experiences in the program, your growth since attending CSSSA, and your motivations for reapplying.

For assistance with technical issues in the application portal, please contact us.

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 1 HOUR

This section collects information to assess the family’s financial need and is typically completed by the parent.

SECTION 1: PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION

• Name (first, last)
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email
• Household adjusted gross income (AGI)
• Annual income of parent(s)
• Size of household

SECTION 2: STUDENT AID INDEX (SAI)

Use the Federal SAI Estimator Tool to calculate your SAI and enter the number in your CSSSA application.

SECTION 3: DOCUMENT UPLOAD

Upload your most recent income tax return (2024 or 2025).

If you do not file taxes, you may upload other documentation to support your financial aid request, such as pay stubs, public assistance award letters, a written statement attesting to your financial situation, and anything else that may be pertinent.

SECTION 4: SIGNATURE

• Electronic signature certification
• Today’s date

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 5 MINUTES

Supplemental questions will not affect how your application is scored and has no bearing on your acceptance to CSSSA.

• Special Services or accommodations
• Outreach

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 5 MINUTES

Fee waivers are available to California residents who can attest to having an economic need.

This non-refundable fee helps to cover administrative costs associated with reviewing and evaluating your application. Accepted forms of payment include credit card, ACH transfer, Alipay and WeChat Pay. CSSSA no longer accepts payment by check or money order.