<p>With the exception of a Regents Scholarship, the UC disdain merit of all types. And $10k is more than a LA Regents.</p>
<p>is the UCLA money an alumni scholarship? If so, Cal won’t care since it has its own alumni scholarship program. But sure, no harm in asking. Just don’t expect a favorable response.</p>
<p>btw: the alumni scholarship programs are independent from the colleges themselves.</p>
<p>Must chime in about getting classes at UCLA. My son is graduating in June as a mechanical engineer. He’s finishing in four years, and by being diligent and persistent has managed to get all of the classes he’s needed, when he’s needed them. YMMV</p>
<p>
Don’t assume this at all. Every time someone brings up the 6+ year point (at any UC - not particular to UCLA) on CC it’s generally disputed by most posters who have a kid currently attending or recently graduated. There are some people who take longer to graduate but it’s often due to their own actions and desires - switching majors several times, taking a light course load including sometimes because of working a p/t job, taking a bunch of classes not really needed for their major, not willing to take morning or Friday classes because it might interfere with their partying schedule, not seeking alternatives to full classes, etc. Some people will take longer because they can, especially since it’s substantially cheaper to spend an extra quarter or year at a UC vs a private unless they’re getting a bunch of finAid.</p>
<p>On the quarters vs semesters - I don’t think a preference for one or the other alone is enough to justify selecting one over the other. A lot of students actually like the quarter system because they can be ‘done’ at the winter and spring breaks and not have to return to the same classes (and maybe be stuck doing some HW over the break). Others prefer the semester. Regardless, millions of people have done one or the other or both and seem to manage okay.</p>
<p>I have 2 nephews at UCLA…both are on track to graduate on time. </p>
<p>Kids have to be pro-active!! Pay attention to their major req’ts, pay attention to sequencing, pay attention to whether certain classes are only offered in fall, winter, or spring, don’t drop classes, be willing to take a class at an unfavorable time slot, etc. </p>
<p>(and it doesn’t hurt to have a parent’s watchful eye over some of these things!)</p>
<p>OP…what was the $10k scholarship?</p>
<p>It was an Achievement Award, a scholarship beyond the grant aid that the two UCs have offered.</p>
<p>We will visit UCB this Saturday to learn more of the campus and the Haas requirements. Thank you all for the input.</p>
<p>mom2 – the very polite appeal that we sent to UCB financial office did not return with a positive message:</p>
<p>At this date and time, you have a conditional $0.00 unmet need, as soon as your 2012-2013 Dependent Verification is printed, mailed, and returned complete your conditional package ould become valid. Of the conditional sources now in offer, you have UG scholarship and an MCAP grant total 987. However, if you seek more such gift aid funding, you and your parent may prepare and submit a 2012-2013 parent contribution appeal. As soon as you receive and return the 2012-2013 Dependent Verification form you may begin the Parent contribution appeal, best. </p>
<p>I guess we will have to sit on this in making the final choice decision. Thanks.</p>
<p>I have to say that I feel quite sorry for any family receiving a letter from Cal with a paragraph written quite like that.</p>
<p>There are 3 kids in our extended family currently at the UCs - in particular Santa Barbara, Davis and UCLA. </p>
<p>All 3 are on track to graduate in 4 years - and since 1 is a senior, that’s pretty secure. It certainly CAN BE DONE. But the student has to be smart about scheduling classes and must be willing to do at least a summer session. At least, that’s what’s been the experience of this group of kids, and two others who graduated from the UCs in the past couple of years. (all of them within 4 years.)</p>
<p>My D is graduating in June from UCD. A big YAHOO from this mom!
Double major, 4 years, no summer school, she did come in with 3 AP class credits, so was able to skip a few classes. She also was just smart about scheduling and planning and staying on top of where you are and where you have to go next. She also did what I did 28 years ago…never take a class that doesn’t count! It all worked out well, for both of us!</p>
<p>So yes, you can graduate from UC’s in 4 years.</p>
<p>i think it depends where he wants to live. If SoCal, then UCLA has the advantage. If NoCal, then Berkeley. If he doesn’t know, then I’d wager that that Haas degree isn’t worth $40K more than UCLA and go with the latter…</p>