<p>I plan to attend UCI and I got my fininal aid package with Cal Grant A (which is $12921) i believe, UCI Grant (3K), Pell Grant (5k) and something else which was $500. I have researched and heard NUMEROUS post that cal grant B is way more beneficial than A. I also qualify for blue and gold opportunity plan. When I tried to switch from Cal Grant A from B the financial aid officer said that it would not beneficial and that I did UCI would not make up the different to ensure the Blue and gold opportunity plan. They said they they wouldn't switch my Cal Grant from A to B. Is that true? I know that if I pick Cal grant B UCI would have to increase their grant money but isn't ultimately up to me which cal grant I want and I have the ability to change which cal grant I want because funds HAVEN'T been distributed yet? thanks!</p>
<p>Okay, first of all, Cal Grant B isn’t WAY more beneficial - it gives you a extra $1,500 or so (per year) to cover books and transportation. So, not a huge amount.</p>
<p>And, yes, it is my understanding that it’s up to you to decide whether you want A or B and, if you pick B, the school has to make up the difference. But do the math . . . if UCI is currently giving you $3,000 above and beyond the cost of tuition, how would it benefit you to switch to Cal Grant B and only get about $1,500 above and beyond the cost of tuition? I’d guess that if UCI has to cover the cost of freshman year tuition, that additional $3,000 is no longer going to be on the table.</p>
<p>But if you want to switch, you should contact the [California</a> Student Aid Commission](<a href=“http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?ID=543]California”>http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?ID=543) directly and ask them if UCI is required to cover your tuition if you switch from A to B. If you get an answer, please post it here. You’re not the first one to ask about this.</p>
<p>Okay, I still need to get more information, but after speaking with a supervisor at the California Student Aid Commission, here is what I now understand:</p>
<p>It is your choice to elect either A or B (assuming you’re qualified for both), but it is possible that the school is not required to cover your tuition freshman year if you switch from A to B. So, yes, you could switch to B if you want . . . but if UCI refuses to cover your freshman year tuition, there may be nothing you can do about it. The representative at CSAC made clear that it is NOT their problem . . . they are responsible for administering Cal Grants only. They have nothing to say about the institutional grants awarded by the individual schools, and they absolutely cannot force a school to award an institutional grant.</p>
<p>In your case, this really shouldn’t be a problem. Since Cal Grant A plus your UCI award of $3k is more than you’d ever get with Cal Grant B, you have no reason to switch. So take your Cal Grant A and your UCI grant . . . you got a great deal!</p>