<p>Technically, I have no "need". My efc is 11k and I'm expected to come up with that amout. I have the option of taking out an UNsubsidized loan. I'm not eligible for work study and my other costs are covered by a UC Berkeley scholarship and the Cal grant.</p>
<p>If I receive 5k from a scholarship, where will this money go?? Can it reduce the amount of unsubsidized loans I take out? Or will it replace aid that I'm already getting from a UC Berkeley grant/ scholarship?</p>
<p>It’s on their website.</p>
<p>It tells me that they reduce loans first, but in my case, my loans are my efc. That’s why I’m confused…</p>
<p>You should talk to a financial aid officer to see what options you have. It seems to me that your scholarships will reduce your Berkeley award but not the Cal grant. If that is the case, you may request the loans for payment of supplies, a computer, outside expenses,etc. If the university denies that request, then you may not benefit from the outside awards if your Berkeley awards exceed or equal your outside scholarship amounts.</p>