<p>I am unfamiliar with switching CAL Grants. :(</p>
<p>I never even knew that a person can switch between getting CAL Grants A and B until WCF created this thread. :)</p>
<p>I will definitely ask my financial aid office this question. :)</p>
<p>Can someone like thumper1, swimcatsmom, kelsmom, sueinphilly answer brassring's question?
(Because I won't get back to the financial aid office until after spring break.) :(</p>
<p>I'm getting depressed that no one is getting my name right. Hahaha. WCF guys! Just kidding.</p>
<p>Yeah you can switch between the different Cal Grants, but only if it gives you the "See Code #1" thing on your letter.</p>
<p>Oh sorry. I didn't catch that. :)</p>
<p>UCLA has a better financial aid FAQ section than UCSB. :)</p>
<p>UCLA</a> Financial Aid Office CAL/PELL GRANT ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>On my California Aid Report (CAR), it states that I am eligible for both Cal Grant A and B and to contact my school. Can I choose Cal Grant A?</p>
<p>We recommend that you choose Cal Grant B. The first year's Cal Grant B award is for access costs only, expenses for transportation, supplies and books. Beginning with the second year of Cal Grant B benefits, you receive the access costs in addition to the tuition and fees. Over four years, you will receive more from Cal Grant B. :)</p>
<p>Can I accept Cal Grant A in my first year and switch to Cal Grant B in my second year?</p>
<p>No, once funds are disbursed, you cannot switch your Cal Grant program. :(</p>
<p>So it looks like you can switch, but you have to do it before the money gets disbursed to you. :)</p>
<p>I am not eligible for a Cal Grant A or B Entitlement Award. Can I compete for a Cal Grant Competitive Award?</p>
<p>Yes, these awards are similar to the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, except that they are not guaranteed. You must file the FAFSA by the March 2nd deadline and meet Competitive eligibility criteria. </p>
<p>I think WCF should look into this as an alternative to not getting the CAL Grant Entitlement Award. :)</p>
<p>Just so I understand a little bit better (sorry for the long, drawn out thread!), what would you do if you were in my situation? Where you can pick either grant A or B, but are expecting possible ineligibility for the next year?</p>
<p>I am not sure what to do if I were to be in your situation. :(</p>
<p>I will consult the financial aid office and present your case and I'll report back to this thread with what they say after Spring Break. :)</p>
<p>Wait, so when is the deadline for switching CAL Grants? :)</p>
<p>All FinAid packages are preliminary at this stage. You have till May 1 to file your SIR and then verification for low EFC. Even after that but before school starts in the fall, with the aid of your Financial counselor, WFC must make a choice. What makes her/his (?) case unique is that low income in 2008 will rise dramatically in 2009 (above Cal Grant A ceilings). So, from 20 K to over $ 80 K. Good for WFC family, but might render her ineligible for even Cal Grant A. So WFC has to explain this clearly to the FinAid counselor and maybe (don't know for sure) choose Cal A. this way if for some reason, WFC income rises but still below A ceilings, then she/he can still be eligible for A in sophomore year. </p>
<p>Chaospaladin, I am still interested in the situation I posed in post # 19 above. Would really appreciate hearing authoritatively if you can get Cal Grant B one year and switch to A next year (provided income ceilings do not exceed eligibility for A.) Thanks.</p>
<p>According to the UCLA financial aid FAQ section, you cannot switch your CAL Grant program once funds are disbursed. :(</p>
<p>UCLA</a> Financial Aid Office CAL/PELL GRANT ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>Can I accept Cal Grant A in my first year and switch to Cal Grant B in my second year?</p>
<p>No, once funds are disbursed, you cannot switch your Cal Grant program. :(</p>
<p>You and WCF are both very much welcomed. :)</p>
<p>Thanks, Chaos. If you hear any more, please post here. Very helpful.</p>
<p>Now, time to celebrate .....and look ahead.......</p>
<p>Regarding the UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan that was brought up earlier, it only guarantees minimum that the basic $7126 tuition fee is covered. If there is still funding left over for students with below $60000 income, then it may cover other costs such as room, board, transportation, books, personal expenses, etc.</p>
<p>A Cal Grant is awarded from "award year" income and GPA eligibility.
From then on things may change but your Grant wont be revoked if your GPA goes lower or your income numbers are higher.</p>
<p>If you are failing 3 consecutive terms you could loose your grant though.</p>
<p>Really Arayrob? So let me get this straight: I have this Cal grant, based on 2008, that can't be revoked or modified, unless I do bad academically, for the full four years? Even if my family income rises significantly within that time period? This sounds like really good news for me! Almost too good to be true - can anyone confirm? Although it does seem like Arayrob is an expert based on all these helpful posts around this forum!</p>
<p>Regarding how the break down for CAL Grants and which one pays more, this is what Arayrob posted on another thread relating to CAL Grants. (I'm not sure if you already know this, but I'll post anyway.) :)</p>
<p>2009-10 Proposed Award Amounts </p>
<hr>
<p>2009-10 Proposed</p>
<p>AMOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE IF YOU HAVE "FINANCIAL NEED"</p>
<p>Cost of attendance - Expected Family Contribution (EFC)= Financial Need</p>
<p>Cal Grant A offers 4 years of tuition & fee assistance at CSU's U/C's and Private Universities only.</p>
<p>CSU's: up to $3,354 annual tuition award x 4 years = up to $13.416.
U/C's: up to $7,788 annual tuition award x 4 = up to $31,152.
Private Universities: up to $9708.annual tuition award x 4 = up to $38,832. </p>
<p>Cal Grant A Community College Reserve Grant
If you receive a Cal Grant A but attend a California Community College first, your award will be reserved for up to three years until you transfer to a four-year college.</p>
<p>Cal Grant B offers
4 years expense assistance up to $1551. at Community College or Universities and
3 years of tuition assistance starting as a sophomore at CSU's U/C's and Private Universities.</p>
<p>CSU's: up to $3,354 annual tuition award x 3 years = up to $10,062 plus expense assistance of up to $1551.x 4 years = up to $6,204. After 4 years up to $19,620</p>
<p>U/C's: up to $7,788 annual tuition award x 3 years = up to $23,364. plus expense assistance of up to $1551.x 4 years = up to $6,204. After 4 years up to $37,356</p>
<p>Private Universities: up to $9708. x 3 = up to $29,124. plus expense assistance of up to $1551.x 4 years = up to $6,204. After 4 years up to $45,036</p>
<p>Community Colleges: expense assistance only of up to $1551. x 4 years = up to $6,204.</p>
<hr>
<p>Edit #1: Does anyone know how to quote a message in a reply? :(</p>
<p>Edit #2: WCF, I will confirm your question (about CAL Grants getting modified, revoked, etc.) with the financial aid office once I get back from Spring Break. :)</p>
<p>I don't understand, how does CAL Grant B Give more for the UCS if its just 1551 +(1551+Cal Grant A)+(1551+cal Grant A)+(1551+Cal Grant A)?</p>
<p>CAL Grant A: 7788 x 4 = 31152</p>
<p>CAL Grant B: (7788 x 3) + (1551 x 4) + (7788) = 37356</p>
<p>But I don't know how the last $7788 comes into play. :(</p>
<p>Can Arayrob provide additional information? :)</p>
<p>chaospaladin, didn't UCSB offer you more aid in grants/scholarships because you were in Cal Grant B? If this is true, then this may be why would be preferrable to A.</p>
<p>If true, that's huge. Gives much needed stability to planning your UC career if you can count on the Grant Grant BEING THERE irrespective of financial need.</p>
<p>That still leaves the unexplained premise of why B is better over 4 years than A?</p>
<p>Something weird happened with my CAL Grant Awards. :)</p>
<p>First they gave me CAL Grant A and B. :)</p>
<p>Then they took by CAL Grant A. :(</p>
<p>Then they gave me another CAL Grant. :)</p>
<p>Then they combined a few CAL Grants together. :)</p>
<p>So in the end, this is what I have:</p>
<p>CAL Grant B: $7126 (This is because the UC systemwide tuition fee is $7126.)</p>
<p>So all I get is $7126 even though the CAL Grant A (but they changed the name to CAL Grant B) even though the actual CAL Grant A Award is a little bit more than $7126.</p>
<p>Then they gave me CAL Grant B: $1551 (but they changed the name to CAL Grant Access).</p>
<p>So in the end my total CAL Grant Award is $8677. :)</p>
<p>The Cal Grant is based on need. Every year you have to fill out the FAFSA to determine if you qualify.</p>
<p>FresnoMom: So, to be sure, one has to meet Cal Grant income eligibility and have financial need to qualify each year for Cal Grants. So Arobroy in post # 30 of this thread is incorrect when he says the CalGrant is for 4 years based on"award year" income eligibility?</p>
<p>Also, do you know why people keep saying B is better over 4 years over A when A is7700 in first year abd B only 1550. </p>
<p>I ask these questions because it is important to gain clarity on what one can count on versus what one assumes but may not be right. Thanks to all who shed light and help educate others.</p>
<p>This is getting a bit confusing, since it seems as if what FresnoMom and Arayrob are saying both contradict each other. Any more explanations or sources?</p>