<p>Length of time one is eligible for FA at the UCs varies from UC to UC. Some have very generous policies. I’ll have to relook it up, but at least one of them is 18 quarters (or six years). Many of them have a method for appeal especially if the number of quarters allowed is low. The only catch is that there’s no guarantee of what sort of aid you would get.</p>
<p>Cal Grant is controlled by the state, not the UCs. They have no say in that hiccup that happens if you enter with higher than frosh standing. Since the UCs get money from that without having to dip into their own funds, I doubt they’d accept more AP credits simply to push a kid out of FA sooner.</p>
<p>keltix:
You should still qualify for the Blue&Gold promise if you qualified for Cal Grant. The only rules I’ve ever found are that you must be within your first four years at a UC (two for transfers) in regards to length of time one qualifies. It does not appear to be prorated like Cal Grant is. Since Cal Grant can be deferred and the payments made at a later date, it makes sense that there is the “countdown” of sorts for eligibility (for example, mine right now is something like .33 remaining of eligibility… which translates to one quarter remaining).</p>
<p>I do not know for sure, though, about Blue&Gold. It is possible it follows the same prorated pattern that Cal Grant does. But there is nothing the UCs can do for you in regards to Cal Grant since it is a state program. They have to follow the rules set by the state.</p>