Hello Everyone,
I’ve been scouring the web for someone who is in my position, and as of yet, I have found nothing or no one. I’ve just completed my first year of college at a private liberal arts college. I received Cal Grant A as part of my financial aid package so that leaves me with 3 years of eligibility left. For academic reasons, I decided that graduating there wasn’t my best option. It’s now summer and I’m planning to transfer to a community college, as no other 4-year University will admit me. All require I be an incoming Junior. I took many classes during my first year, but until now, I’ve realized many classes will not transfer as they covered different topics than their UC counterparts (I plan to graduate at a UC). Because of this, I may need to stay at a community college for 2 years. This is where my dilemma presents itself:
If I attend a community college for 2 years and have my Cal Grant A (if i do receive a Cal Grant A) put on reserve for those two years, will I transfer out with 2 years of eligibility left or just 1? I know that entering freshman that decide to attend a community college will transfer out with 2 years of eligibility, but neither have been enrolled in a 4-year institution. Will having been enrolled in a 4-year institution and taking up one year of eligibility affect me in any way? In other words, if I stay at a community college for 2 years and having my award or reserve, will I still transfer out with 2 years of eligibility to complete my degree?
Thanks to anyone who is willing to help me. I know it’s a lot to read, but I figured I shouldn’t leave anything out.
Yes, CA publics only transfer juniors with rare exception. So you are thinking of a CA public? Why not wait to transfer as a Jr? Moving schools makes it likely you will have to take more years to graduate which will not be covered by Cal Grant.
I think if you put your Cal Grant on reserve and you transfer as a Jr, you will get 2 years cal grant. Why would you think it is only one? No I don’t think going freshman year eliminates it. You can call CSAC to be sure. There is no reason to have to find someone in your same position.
But since you can use your cal grant for Sophomore year at your original college why don’t you? Because the courses match better? Are you sure, did you meet with an adviser at your current college to see? If you planned to graduate from a UC why didn’t you take UC transferable courses? What is the problem where you are anyway? Sure, your plan is feasible, but it is the wisest thing to do?
I don’t know if you can meet with a CC transfer adviser first, you will have excess units too many for a Jr. I don’t think UC will penalize for that, not entirely sure. Sounds like basically you are starting over. I don’t think you can use ASSIST to figure which classes that you already have transfer. Good luck.
Well I’ve talked to my adviser at the Community College I wanted to attend and I was told most of my classes won’t transfer. So once I go to a community college, I’ll be behind in credits.
I understand that doing this will extend my college career. I would be doing 2 years at a community college and 2 more years at a UC to finish it off. It’s true that it would be like starting over. And personally, I wouldn’t mind.
The reason I want to transfer is because the program of my major at my previous college is underwhelming to say the least. I talked to a graduate and he told me that if he were in my position, he would leave. And my first year there was horrid. Not that my grades were bad, they were quite good. The classes related to my major were unorganized, poorly structured, and it made me feel like I’ve learnt nothing at all. Continuing to attend the college will likely affect me negatively. I’m doing what I think is best for my academic future, and ultimately my career.
The other reason to not wanting to stay is because their courses are structured towards their programs. They’ve basically built their own programs. They have the liberty to do such thing. For instance, my English 102 class was changed from Shakespearean literature and literature alike to Russian literature. It was more of an introduction to Russian literature than anything else. And because the institution is the one granting the diplomas, they can change what is taught in a certain class.
I’ve tried contacting the California Student Aid Commission, but to no avail. I’ve sent them an email only to receive an automated message referring me to their fact sheet. I’ve looked at it several of time (I’d say hundreds, but I’ll save you my dramatics) and I’ve found nothing helpful for my situation.
In order to avoid having excess credits, I’d be willing to take the minimum required credits to be considered a full time student. And since I’m double majoring, I’m pretty confident that’ll do the trick.
Thank you for replying BrownParents. Always appreciate the help. 
The cal grant pages aren’t the greatest and it isn’t easy to find everything on one page. What I think is relevant to you:
As a Cal Grant recipient,you may receive up to the equivalent of four years of full-time grant payments.
The duration of your eligibility will be based on your educational level at the time you receive your first Cal Grant payment. Your eligibility will be reduced by each term that you receive payment.
Cal Grant A. Does not pay at a California Community College (CCC). The awards are held in CCC Reserve status and are renewed for up to two consecutive years while attending a CCC. Your Cal Grant funds may become
available to you when you transfer to a Cal Grant eligible 4 year college if you meet all the renewal
requirements at the time off transfer.
There is also something called Leave of Absence if you can’t put is on reserve while you are at the CC because you already started payments.
http://www.csac.ca.gov/pubs/forms/grnt_frm/understanding_my_cal_grant.pdf