<p>I see a lot of people talking about it, but I'm not sure what's it about >_<! </p>
<p>Thanks :D!</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>You mean for Berkeley specifically, or any state school?</p>
<p>It simply means that Cal is cheaper than most private schools for in-state students. It’s also due to the fact that it’s education is top-notch compared to many different schools across all fields. </p>
<p>It doesn’t really apply for OOS students who have costs in the 50,000 range or for students who get more aid from a private school, but all those depend on individual factors.</p>
<p>My bad, I think I worded my question a bit misleading. The budget appeal I’m talking about is the one located in your MyFinaid page. Apparently, you can appeal the budget they give you, but I’m not sure if that’s how it’s suppose to work. The website gives a vague description :(!</p>
<p>Suppose you need more money than financial aid gives you (eg. you just happen to need a new laptop at an inconvenient time). You file a budget appeal, and the financial aid office will find a way to get you that extra money. Note that this usually comes from unsubsidized loans though!</p>
<p>Ouch :(! So I can’t technically use this process for more grants :(?</p>
<p>Haha. Sorry about that!</p>
<p>Anyway I concur that the FA pages is rather vague and confusing in general. It took me 10 minutes before I finally figured out where all their totals were coming from because everything is in different places. (Unlike other schools which spelled everything out.)</p>