Appealing UCLA's Fin. Aid: Please Help

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I've been accepted to UC Berkeley (possible Regents Scholarship), UCLA, UC Davis, and UC San Diego. I've received financial aid packages from UCLA, Davis and UCSD. Thing is, the Davis and UCSD packages have been very manageable...but I'd much rather go to UCLA.</p>

<p>UCLA gave me $6500 in loans and $2500 in work-study. At Davis and SD, I'd have barely any loans if I picked a Cal Grant A (our EFC is 1870, and that's pushing it). </p>

<p>Has anyone ever written a Financial Aid Appeal letter?
Any advice as to what to include in it, what time frame to send it in, and how much to ask for--eg. should I let them know the better offers I got at other schools?</p>

<p>Thanks very much!</p>

<p>PS. No, I am not complaining about the fin. aid package I received. Having compared with others, it is a normal package, but I'd just trying my best to lift certain burders for myself after grad. Thanks again.</p>

2

<p>I don't understand your reference to the Cal Grant. Is that included in the aid packages, or not? Or are you hoping that once the Cal Grant is factored in, it will bump out the loans? That's not how it usually works--</p>

3

<p>It is usually in your best interest to accept Cal Grant B for the UCs. The first year it is $1551 but than it jumps up to $7K for year 2, 3, and 4. Cal Grant A you get the same amount all 4 years (around $5 - $6K).</p>

<p>My personal opinion is that a school like UCLA doesn't care that the lower ranked schools gave you better offers. That is to be expected.</p>