<p>So, the “total contribution” is what I have to pay? Is this getting paid through my pocket or through my financial aid given? Also, how will financial aid be different each year? I know that I have to apply for FAFSA each year, but will Cal Grant stay all four years? Will my financial aid be basically the same if my income doesn’t change each year? And, does the office take money from my aid automatically to pay the bills, or would I have to calculate it each quarter according to my classes/units? Also, is the Financial Aid Office at Davis quick about processing paperwork and distributing the students awards in time? I have read about the Office being slow about processing financial aid documents…</p>
<p>I’m going to be freshman this fall, so I’m new to this and I’m really confused on how financial aid works at Davis. Also, when viewing myAwards page, I can’t go on to see my “detailed summary and requirements” until I tell them how much money I’m getting from outside scholarship agencies. I applied for other scholarships, but I haven’t received any notification of the awards yet. Should I wait to see, or is there a way to report it after I receive the scholarship? </p>
<p>Any answers you have about how financial aid works will be helpful and anyone who answers my questions will be helping me a lot! Thanks to those who answer!</p>
<p>the easiest way i can tell u to understand your award is to total up all the money you got that you won’t have to repay (scholarships, grants), then subtract that number from what your total cost of attendance is. the number u get after doing this will be what comes out of your pocket for the school year 2011-2012. it won’t be due all at once, it will be divided into three quarters. the total cost of attendance is not a ‘hard’ number, because it depends on a few things: how much u pay for room/board (if u get a suite or share a double with a roommate); your meal plan (if you get the most expensive one or if u live close and will go home for meals every other weekend or whatever); your travel expenses (again, how far are u from home and how much $$ it’ll cost you to go home for visits), etc. so your actual cost of attendance could be lower than what they estimated in your initial package. </p>
<p>if you aren’t getting money from outside scholarships, all you have to do is click the button that says ‘i have no resources to declare’ in order to see your award budget for the year and read the responsibilites/actions you need to take if you accept any loans offered. you don’t have to accept any loans right now-- you have until at least this time next year to do that if you need more time to think about it. you can always report scholarship money after u get (because, at this point, u don’t have the money…you’re hoping to be awarded a scholarship).</p>
<p>both cal and pell grant amounts are dependent on state and federal budgets, so those amounts may change before 2011. stay tuned for that, but i wouldn’t worry. </p>
<p>for more specific questions, i highly suggest you (or a parent) speak with the folks in financial aid. they’re very helpful.</p>