<p>I recently got into Berkeley and they gave me 12k in scholarship and grant (i am out of state with EFC 12k). That leaves about 42k for me to pay in loans and out of my family's pocket. That's almost 4 times my efc but i really want to go to Berkeley. Is there anyway for them to reconsider financial aid if I contact them or are Berkeley's award letters final?
Also, if I can somehow receive more money, how should I approach them about it?
Thanks!</p>
<p>I was there yesterday, one woman who worked at the financial aid office told me “no negotiating” and that you can only appeal if something has changed within the last couple of months</p>
<p>@quantumphyzeeks You’re already admitted so I don’t think appealing your financial aid award could hurt… It may be that they don’t generally make changes unless you’ve had something change drastically but it couldn’t hurt to ask as there are exceptions to every rule. The worst they could do is deny your appeal. If you really want to go to Berkeley and finances are the only hindrance then appeal. </p>
<p>Agreed! I am doing it anyways because my financial aid package from Berkeley was MORE expensive than Barnard (New York). Nothing in my family has changed and i stand no chance winning the appeal but I am doing it anyways.</p>
<p>Generally the UC’s don’t give OOS more “free money” than the price of in-state tuition. </p>
<p>You’re very lucky that California taxpayers gave you $12,000. That is $12,000 more than my son received from Berkeley, and he has lived here his whole life, while we, his parents, have been paying state taxes for the last 30 years.</p>