<p>I understand that there are many posts about this already, but there are so many with so many varied responses it's hard to find the answer I'm searching for.</p>
<p>So, to make this easier for anyone that cares to answer, this is what I know / assumed so far:
1. Cal Grant A pays for 4 year tuition. Cal Grant B pays for 3 year tuition (after freshman year) and gives extra money for housing, books, etc.
2. My EFC is 0 and, sadly, I don't think that my family's income will change enough for me to not qualify for either Cal Grant.
3. From what I have read so far, if my condition continues to follow that of #2, Cal Grant B is actually better even though it technically gives less. This is because freshman year tuition will be covered by the UC with the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan, and I get money for housing.
4. If I ask for Cal Grant B instead of Cal Grant A, will that affect what I'm already getting from the Pell Grant or scholarships negatively?
5. If I do use Cal Grant A freshman year, can I switch to B afterwards? Or vice versa? The general consensus of CC is that one cannot switch.</p>
<p>Question: Which is better? Is what I assumed in #3 correct? What is the best course of action?</p>
<p>Please help, I just want enough money to cover all of my college fees so that I don't have to take out loans and add on to the debt I will accumulate in grad school. I'm not trying to make extra money to buy stupid things like iPads and whatnot.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>No, once you elect A, you can’t switch to B. But, if your income should end up rising above the ceiling for B after your freshman year, you’ll automatically be switched to A, so you won’t lose out. (It didn’t used to be this way, but that’s how it is now.)</p>
<p>You’re correct. B is a better deal. It is designed to provide just a little bit more aid to the kids who REALLY need it.</p>
<p>The Pell grant will be part of your package. (No reason for California to pony up all the money if the feds are willing to contribute!) As for other scholarships (do you mean outside scholarships?), I don’t know.</p>
<p>Thanks for answering!</p>
<p>Just one more question: Should I ask the financial aid office to switch me to Cal Grant B (if possible)? Will they switch me if I ask? And the school will then automatically have to figure out a different way to pay for my tuition, right?</p>
<p>Haha, sorry, that was more than one question…</p>
<p>Any answer is really appreciated because I really can’t pay for school and any extra help is really necessary.</p>
<p>Yes, once you know which school you’re attending, ask them about switching. My guess is that you probably also have to file a request with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), and you can check their website . . . I just don’t feel like looking it up right now. (Sorry. :)) Any change MUST be made before funds are disbursed.</p>
<p>Kender is the expert on all things related to Cal Grants, so if he/she doesn’t join this thread, you might want to send a PM.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick answer! I can look up the details myself; it is, after all, my financial aid so I should do the work. But thanks for the clarification. I’ll be sure to PM Kender if I have any more questions.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>Hi, My EFC is 0, I am in the blue+gold of UCSB, and my cal grant report says that i am qualified for cal grant B but not awarded. Could i change from cal grant A (i am awarded for A) to cal grant B? If so, do I contact the FA office of UCSB?</p>