Report very low parents income on UC application or not (optional) ?

<p>Should I report very low parents income on UC application ( it is optional if not applying for EOC or fee waiver)?
I have been informed that due to current budget crisis at UC colleges that even though say "need blind" if comes down to choice between exact match applicants except one low very low income and the other middle/higher income - will chose the middle/higher income. So think it might be best to not report parents income and just pay the application fees (no UC fee waivers).
I have also hear that UC likes low income achievers so that is why not sure if leaving my parents low income off UC app may actually be worse ??
Please respond- Thank you very much </p>

<p>No, admissions does not work that way for UC. If you have very low income, report it and take the fee waiver. It will not be considered how much $$ you actually need compared to someone else for admissions. That is not remotely how it works. </p>

<p>To make budget, they are admitting more full pay out of state people. You are not competing with those people, they are competing against each other. </p>

<p>UC is also very interested in low income students yes. But please do not twist yourself in a knot over things you can’t control.</p>

<p>Brownparent is absolutely correct.
The policy you’ve heard of exists, but not at UC’s and CSU’s for California applicants. Do mention your family circumstances.</p>