Hi there,
I once made a post asking opinions on whether I should attend a CSU (California State University) or UCLA. I ended up going to the CSU because I was able to afford it. But I really, really despise it here. The professors don’t care about improving me as a student. I haven’t been challenged at all. I can honestly say that I regret my decision, and it will probably stay with me for the rest of my life unless I at least apply to University of British Columbia.
I am poor, but not in the “I can’t afford my college meal plan so idk what I’m going to do about food” deal. I’m talking about washing my clothes in the CSU bathrooms by hand because I can’t afford the laundromat. Living in a trailer my entire life (I’m serious, not even an apartment). So many other things that I don’t wish to burden on you all.
I’m more of a need-based financial aid student than merit-based. I know I’m smart, but just simply not smart enough for grants or scholarships. In high school, I got an 1870 on my SATs and a 3.7 GPA. Also, a killer personal statement that is probably the only reason why I got into UCLA. But because of my parent’s severe cancer, I started to slip and failed a couple of classes this past semester. From my understanding, the University of British Columbia doesn’t reward need-based financial aid. Because of my slip up, I’m sure I cannot expect merit-based financial aid, right?
But I long to attend there.
I was wondering how financial aid works there. How much would I expect to pay for tuition? If there’s even a small chance I could get in, perhaps I won’t make the same mistake I made with UCLA.
Tina
There is very limited financial aid for international students and international tuition is quite high.
look -I don’t mean to be rude but, in aggregate, the profs at UCLA are even less interested in their students than they are at whichever CSU you attend. I think you’ve got pretty unrealistic expectations of what college is like.
UBC is a really good school and a really pretty campus - as is Univ of Victoria but, unless you have dual citizenship, it will be cost prohibitive to attend any Canadian school.
If you want a personal touch, you need to go to a smaller school. Someplace like Sonoma, Monterey, or even UC Merced where the class sizes are small and student teacher ratio is high.
You have overcome a LOT to be where you are and you are on a good path. You should be proud of where you are and the direction you are headed. There is nothing wrong or shameful about living in a trailer while under your parent’s care or on your own as you try to better yourself. Don’t spend time playing out the what if scenarios. You are where you are and you have to make the most of it.
Honestly, if you are dead set on attending a UC, you can transfer in as a Jr. You’ll need competitive stats and all the right classes but, it can be done. If that’s your objective, then a CC is probably the best place to knock out those requirements. Merced is by far the most intimate UC. It also has the lowest cost of living of any UC… sounds like a good combination for you.
Big picture though, the name on your diploma matters a lot less than you think.
Take a trip to Merced talk to some students, sit in on a class or two and see what you think. Trust me, from the get-go, it is a far more welcoming place than UCLA.
For what it’s worth, I think your CSU may be your cheapest option and if you try to remain positive and get your degree completed it will be a major step forward and accomplishment given your adversity. I have to agree with the advice given above by @NCalRent that the name on your diploma matters a lot less than you think. Take advantage of every opportunity you can, gain some work experience, and stay positive and you will be on a solid path in your future career. Transfer to another CA public if you feel there is a better fit but stay focused on your goal to get your degree as inexpensively as you can. Getting your first 2 years done at your local CC may also be an option. Good luck.