<p>Hello, </p>
<p>I'm a Gates Scholar and have recently graduated from my BA program and will be beginning an MA program that has been approved for GMS funding in the fall. I understand that the GMS cap is about $39,000 a year for private institutions and my school charges about $33,000 for the year. However, does this mean that I will only receive a cost-of-living stipend of about $6,000 a year? I live in southern California and the cost of living is much higher than that.. Of course I am applying to jobs, but as many people know, finding a job isn't too easy. I want to be able to ensure that I will be able to live with the basics and afford paying rent and my bills during the year. If my stipend is capped at $6,000, I would like to know ASAP so as to be able to prepare myself for the upcoming school year.</p>
<p>My question is mostly for Gates Scholars who have gone through this process before. If my financial aid office reports to GMS what my cost of living should be, will they raise my stipend? Thank you very much for your help.</p>