<p>Today I was contemplating and analyzing my financial expenses for next year at UCI.
Total Cost to attend will be around 24K for a whole year which will include tuition, room, board, books, food, housing, etc.</p>
<p>I have 4K saved in scholarships.
I do not qualify for FAFSA because of a residence/immigration issue I have right now. I'll have full residency next year.
I am working part time but I'll only be able to make 2K-3K.
I am applying for 28 scholarships that range from 500 dollars to 3K
My parents won't be able to pay for much until next year
and</p>
<p>I'm getting more nervous about my expenses and it's possible I may require to get a loan.
My questions are:</p>
<p>-Should I even go to college with this much issue?
-Can UCI Financial Aid help me out even without FAFSA?
-What can I do to get less in financial debt (loans)</p>
<p>I've gotten my hopes up so much for UCI.... this isn't fair!
Any other info would be greatly appreciated</p>
<p>If you dont mind taking the loans then go for it.
You def should go SOMEWHERE though even if it ends up not being UCI.
I know you’ve already waited a year to get into UCI.
What are your other choices at this point?</p>
<p>Honestly, It’s all up to you. Do you think you will have at least half of the tuition covered by scholarships and your part time job? Are you considered a california resident? </p>
<p>Community College for 2 years then transfer to a 4 year would definitely save a lot of money or you could take loans and be in debt for a few years after college.</p>
<p>Personally.
I do not think there would be anything wrong with you going to a school lower on your list because of financial reasons.
CSULB seems like it would be a better option considering your financial situation.
You could always bust your ass and transfer to UCI.
Yeah, you can go to CC and have a higher chance at transferring but IMO it is a big hassle to deal with the kind of students that attend CC.
You really just have to have a heart to heart talk with yourself and decide which would be the best option for you and your family.</p>
<p>Another option, I don’t know if its even possible but maybe you can ask to defer admission for a year until you have your residence stuff sorted out?
Definitely go in and talk to the financial aid office though. They might have some options for you.</p>
<p>Might I suggest you post on the finaid thread. A couple of parent posters are also real college finaid counselors. They might be able to make some suggestions.</p>
<p>Omg! i really hope you can afford it. =[
I’ve seen posts of how much you’re really excited about uci.
I hope you find someway to attend.
next year though, you should be able to get fafsa.</p>
<p>i have a question, how did you find out how much you would have to pay for uci? i dunno where to check for that. i know myaid but they haven’t updated mine yet.</p>
<p>Haiku: you’ve really been a presence on these boards. And I must say your enthusiasm at being admitted to UCI and the difficult road you’ve traveled in getting there is admirable.</p>
<p>I am however perplexed at how you have neglected the financial aspects os schooling. This is the second time you are applying to the UC system. You should have been familiar with FAFSA requirements and its importance in getting aid from the UCs. You should have invested a small part of your passion in ensuring you did everything possible to get your SS # (which many in California get even before their green card is processed) etc. I am not an expert in all that you needed to do. But as one who has read your story, and wishes you the very best, I must say I am disappointed that you were not better prepared to help yourself.</p>
<p>You now face some difficult choices. I for one hope UCI can help you – and you can attend. With your determination, you will succeed but you can’t begin something you know you can’t finish – at least that is not a healthy thing.</p>
<p>If for some reason UCI does not work out this year, why not attend community college and work and build up some savings.</p>
<p>^ It was an issue with my parents, I was a minor then (last year).
They are dealing with the immigration issue, but since they have been bad with their taxes, the process has been on hold.
I’ve been away from my parents for some time, so when they told me that my green-card processing was delayed because of it (about 2 months ago they told me this) I was shocked</p>
<p>it’s unfair</p>
<p>it’s almost like I’m an undocumented student.</p>
<p>Why UCI?
well, if I go to CC my costs may be lower but in the long run I’ll have to be living with some relatives in Santa Ana (not nice part of Santa Ana either), work at whatever I can, and drive a bit of distance to go to Orange Coast College (closest CC). my scholarship money is not for 2 year university (CC).</p>
<p>I see taking a 10JK loan and work my ass of for scholarships and job prior to entering UCI as my best bet.</p>
<p>why?
I only have to take this one year, once this whole SSN/immigration issue is taken care of, with FAFSA I can get the aid I need and such</p>
<p>and it’ll give me an opportunity to work to get merit scholarships and honors within the departments</p>