<p>I just logged into URSA and saw my ePAL. It's not good. They only want to give me $1800 and I will have to take out $22k in loans. I only made $19k last year and I am an independent student. I make $600 per month now. I don't understand this. I thought the Blue & Gold program was supposed to cover all of the fees? I am so upset, I am about to cry.</p>
<p>I make about the same as you and got a pretty crappy package, too. I actually got a much better deal at UCSD. </p>
<p>I called UCLA Financial Aid and made an appointment to see an officer there. I would suggest you go and talk to them. </p>
<p>Hopefully, they’re willing to talk it over and maybe allow for an appeal.</p>
<p>Thanks. I also got a good deal at UCSD, but I really don’t care for the campus. Do you have the name of the person you spoke with at UCLA? I tried to ask about making an appointment as well and they pretty much blew me off (story of my life).</p>
<p>Are you an independant student for FASFA purposes?</p>
<p>Yes, im an independent student (I’m 28). It’s crazy. $600/mo barely covers my food and gas. I don’t know how/why UCLA expects me to cover so much.</p>
<p>Apparently, all transfer admits are assigned to a financial aid counselor. I would call back, say that your ePAL says at the bottom of it that you can make an appointment, and that you’d like to make one. That’s what I did. I don’t know, though, the name of the person I talked to.</p>
<p>I feel similar about UCSD. It’s my third choice (below UCLA and Cal). It’d be funny if they end up offering me the best package.</p>
<p>That seems pretty ridiculous. Try to just go to the office in person if you can. That’s usually the best way to get things done.</p>
<p>Thank you SMC (and everyone else). I am going to do just that tomorrow morning. I already faxed them a projected income form, my 2008 tax forms and my pay stub. I honestly don’t know if they will even do anything with it since I am technically not enrolled yet. I can’t submit my SIR in good conscience if I don’t know what I’m getting myself into financially. Thanks again.</p>
<p>i think because you made 19K last year. I don’t see how $600 a month will make 19K a year. So it is last year’s income which hurts you.</p>
<p>I’m new to the financial aspect of transferring but do you people expect a free ride to UCLA? I don’t get why you’re so mad.</p>
<p>I know for one that I’m not mad or looking for a free ride. Why are you assuming this about all of us? </p>
<p>We’re just discussing financial aid. I think most people would agree that it would be nice to graduate from school with as little debt as possible, especially if you are an older, independent student who doesn’t make a great amount of money.</p>
<p>You are simply facing what every single college student, or their parents, face. Thousands of dollars of debt which must be payed off once they get out of college. You think two years of debt is bad, try four.</p>
<p>So, we shouldn’t try to get the best package that we can to minimize that debt? We should just be happy that we only have two years of it? That seems sort of ridiculous. If you can try to get a better package then you should. </p>
<p>I don’t think monumental debt has to be the norm, especially when you are offered different types of packages from different schools.</p>
<p>Basically what I’m saying is that UCLA in-state tuition is about $8,000. How much more of a break do you want? A comparable school like Georgetown costs $38,000 a year.</p>
<p>Yeah, isn’t it great that UCLA is so cheap compared to private schools like Georgetown, or USC?</p>
<p>Still, when you’re faced with the prospect of working less (like me–going from full time to part time) to focus on two years of intense study at UCLA, you are going to need to supplement that money somehow, in terms of living expenses. If you can try to get more subsidized loans, or better work study, then it helps. Yes, it’s $8,000 to go to UCLA, but it costs much more than that to live in southern California for a year (rent and food–and I’m talking cheap, bulk bought food).</p>
<p>I’m not looking for a handout. I’m looking to work, and still earn money, but it would be nice to try and get a better loan agreement, or better work study. I think a lot of people would share that sentiment.</p>
<p>Sorry that money is a problem dude but I don’t think an appeal, with no new reasons for better financial aid, is gonna do much.</p>
<p>my epal isn’t up yet… :(</p>
<p>when I try to login to view my ePal it says “This web application is for UCLA students only!” … and yes I was accepted into UCLA. This happen to anybody else?</p>
<p>How did you guys get the UCSD financial aid info? Whats the website? Is there something similar to USRA for UCLA?</p>
<p>hey, layzboi, i think you need to create an account first</p>