Should I bother applying here?

<p>Hi everyone! I know UCLA is extremely hard to get into and that the average person who applies has above a 4.0 gpa. </p>

<p>My GPA is only a 3.6, I am a first generation Chinese guy. I have a pretty different background where I was born in the US, sent to China for a few years, and then I came to New York. My ACT score is only a 26. I do have a few extracurriculars and one of them is working a family business job since I was 12. I'm 17 right now.</p>

<p>My family also only makes $30k a year and we have 7 people total in the family. Two of my sisters are in college instate. </p>

<p>The cost for out of state is outrageous at $55k a year, if I did get in I'm not sure if I would get a lot of money to pay for it :/ I don't want to take out a huge loan. I know I probably won't get in but I was wondering if I should apply anyway. Thanks!! </p>

<p>Do I start paying instate tuition after one year of attending the college? I realize I have an extremely low chance of getting in but I may want to take a chance to apply. The cost of it really scares me though</p>

<p>You have to pay tuition before you start at ucla depending on your payment plan. Based on your economic background of low income and 2 college students, you will receive a tremendous amount of money to subsisize your costs. Your gpa and act scores are quite low compared to the average but that shouldnt deter you from applying.</p>

<p>As an Out of state student, you will get little to no financial aid from the UC’s since they are funded by California taxpayers. If you come to California as a student, you will not be able to establish residency unless you are an independent, paying taxes, getting a drivers license etc… or if your parents permanently move to California. See link about establishing residency.<br>
You would still have to pay around $55K/year until you are able or when you can establish residency.
<a href=“http://registrar.berkeley.edu/establish.html?no_server_init”>http://registrar.berkeley.edu/establish.html?no_server_init&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Also here is the UCLA’s Freshman Profile for 2014. Your Stats are not competitive. You need to look at your Home State for affordable options.
<a href=“http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/Adm_fr/Frosh_Prof14.htm”>http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/Adm_fr/Frosh_Prof14.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Agree with Gumbymom^^^. The state of California would not subsidize your education because our state is out of money and public universities are funded by taxpayers. Scholarship monies go first to the children of taxpayers. OOS students pay full fees. I don’t know what Calvin is talking about as he is probably not a resident and doesn’t understand California’s lack of money. As an OOS, you won’t qualify for Cal grants or our Blue and Gold plan. You might get a federal loan but that is only $5500 per year. You can apply, but don’t expect much in the way of money. </p>

<p><a href=“University of California Counselors”>University of California Counselors;

<p>To the OP…see page 5 of this document. OOS students may indeed meet eligibility for financial aid! I would encourage you to apply. Best of luck to you!</p>

<p>@Rachelsmommy: OP posted that they are from a low income family. Even though OP may qualify for some financial aid, there is always the $23,000 OOS tuition that the OOS students must pay. Also, the amount varies from each campus so you may get anywhere from $2500 up to $10,000 depending upon UC Campus. I personally feel as a California taxpayer, that my tax money should be going to our Californa students and not OOS students. Each state has their own State schools, where these students have the ability to receive FA if needed. I do not think we should encourage OOS students to apply to schools that in the end they will not be able to afford. </p>

<p>OP, Rachelsmommy references page 5, that also states what Gumbymom has said. It also says that you may qualify for some federal money but that’s a big “IF”. If scholarships are awarded to any OOS students, these do not cover $23K in OOS supplemental fees. That would leave your family with $7000 a year for their expenses. You cannot afford this fee according to your own report of your parent’s income. </p>

<p>When grades don’t fit and money doesn’t fit, time is better spent looking at other options. </p>

<p>Your gpa is too low and you would be wasting what little $ you have on the application fee. If you want to come to Cali for college…apply to a CSU or CC.</p>

OOS student just received 17K CA grant freshman year from a UC; so, yes the UCs do give some significant need based aid to OOS students.

^ source?