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My EFC is 35...yes 35 but there is a bigger problem.

My estimated expenses is 18K a year for everything. However, the total aid I got was 4K in pell grants and 4.5K in subsidized loans.

I'm just wondering what is the best plus I can get a loan for the rest of the estimated 10K in expenses.

Should I get the rest using unsubsidized loans meaning 5.5K in unsubsidized, 4.5K in subsidized loans, and 4K in grants?

How about for the extra 4-5K? I know I can work that but I prefer I have like some type of insurance just in case I can't get a job or the school work becomes too much for me.

I couldn't get any Cal Grants but I'm appealing right now for it but chances are slim and it may take 8-12 weeks. There isn't any more school-based grants so I'm out of luck right there.

Any help is appreciated.

By Chelseasmom (Chelseasmom) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 01:59 pm: Edit

Good luck. We were just notified by UCLA today that they took my daughters UC grant away from her and replaced it with what money she's to receive from the Cal Grant.

When we called them a couple of months ago we were told they would use the money to replace any loans or work study she had. LOL What a joke!!

By Rowan (Rowan) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 09:04 pm: Edit

Yeah, I second Chelseasmom: I received a substantial university grant initially, and when my Cal Grant was added, the total was suspiciously subtracted from the university grant amount. They later added a scholarship, changed the budget and various other things -- occasionally taking away from the university grant.

Work-study has remained at a perfectly steady MAXIMUM allowed, and my subsidized loan has been only mildly decreased -- as a result of OUTSIDE scholarships.

Looks like in-state grants don't count toward that 'take away from loans and workstudy first' thing!

Anyway, in terms of loans: I am surprised that you didn't receive any work-study award or Cal Grant. Your best bet for loans is, if you can, to ask your parents to take out a PLUS. Failing that, you're going to have to do it the hard way: scholarships, unsubsidized loans and work. You should try talking with the financial aid office, as they are usually quite willing to at least discuss with you why your aid is the way it is.

Best of luck!