<p>Hello, I am a high school graduate who just finished this June, and is going to UC Berkeley.
Skip to the actual question 2 paragraphs down to skip the background info, if you want.</p>
<p>Recently, I discovered that for various reasons and issues with my high school office, a Cal Grant GPA verification form was not sent. I am a middle class student (parents make around $75000 a year) who resides in an upper class attendance area, and financial aid was not often brought up as few people who could afford to live in the area were eligible. Due to this, I have just found out of this issue, way past the March 2nd deadline for a Cal Grant; I consider this completely my fault. However, rather than looking in the past, I want to try and figure out how to make the best of this situation.</p>
<p>When financial aid numbers came out april-ish, the Berkeley Myfinaid website gave me around $10,500 of gift aid, to cover $12,500 of tuition and $17,000 of living expenses. As my family makes under $80,000, I (!!)thought(!!) that was the "Blue and Gold Plan". Tuition was around $12,000, so I believed that this was the "covering tuition", and while disappointed with the value, did nothing. The UCB Blue and Gold plan should cover tuition, which is around 12.5k, and not living expenses, so I thought "well, that was it". It turned out that wasn't the actual Blue and Gold plan; in order for me to actually receive the Blue and Gold award, I needed a Cal Grant... Which was unfinished. Long story short, I am completely <a href="mailto:f@cked">f@cked</a>. </p>
<p>At this point, I understand that I am out 2 things:
1) The ~$2,000 more of the tuition that Blue and Gold would cover, or the Cal Grant. Basically, the difference in tuition between what the current gift aid covers, and what would be covered otherwise.
2) An annual $1500ish tuition coverage from a Cal Grant B that I would have probably received. (for me, as a Berkeley student with Blue and Gold, the B plan is a better choice than the A plan even thought the numbers for A looks better at first glance)</p>
<p>Over 4 years of undergrad, at this rate I would lose out on over $3500*4 = $14000</p>
<p>For this year, I accept that I'm probably out the $2000 from the tuition fees, plus the $1500 living fee from the Cal Grant would cover for me. $3.5k is a large sum; not the end of the world, which I would definitely spend the effort to work back. </p>
<p>My questions are:
Is it possible to apply to the Cal Grant a year late, as a soph in college? I read you can apply "Within one year after you graduate. So even if you have to go straight to work before going to college, you don't have to miss out on a Cal Grant." Does this apply if I've spent the intervening year at college?
This way, I can make up for this at least the other 3 years at college.</p>
<p>Secondly, what is the best way to explain to the Berkeley financial aid office my situation and have them help me? </p>
<p>Thank you, your help is appreciated.</p>