<p>Hi, I’m personally broke as hell and an independent for tax purposes. I can’t find this answer on google, but I’m sure there is a clear answer. I will be applying for FAFSA and will be getting the max amount (at least based on the estimator) of Pell Grants. Anyway, I currently have a 3.9 GPA at my current CC. Probably 2 or possibly 3 F’s in my past schools since I was too lazy to drop the classes and ruined my life. I’m planning on doing academic renewal and applying for the UC’s. I probably should have over 2.0 GPA even if I didn’t do academic renewal, but how does completing academic renewal affect Cal Grant eligibility since all grad schools and some other 4-year unis don’t recognize academic renewal? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>There’s a lot of information to sort out. I don’t have all the answers but here is a start.</p>
<p>First, just to clarify, I assume that while you are independent for tax purposes that you are <em>not</em> independent for FAFSA purposes. You didn’t make that distinction clear in your post and the two are not related. To be independent for FAFSA purpose and thereby have your EFC calculated on your income only (and not your parents) you need to be either 24, married, have a dependent child, or be ex-military. Otherwise, your parent’s income tax information will be required for filling out the FAFSA and your EFC will reflect the state of your parent’s income.</p>
<p>I am outlining this just in case you are by FAFSA’s definition still a dependent and need to go back and recalculate your estimated EFC and Pell Grant eligibility.</p>
<p>I encourage you to get copies (official or unofficial) of all your transcripts and keep them on file. You will need them so that you are no longer guessing if you have 2 or 3 failing grades. </p>
<p>A few other issues about transferring to a UC. </p>
<p>You will likely need at least a 3.0 to transfer into a UC, and much higher for the more competitive UCs. It is a very tough time to get into the UCs and CSUs lately. </p>
<p>Also, if any of your prior schools are 4-year colleges, you need to be careful that your cumulative number of units isn’t too high or your application will be disqualified at the UCs. Usually that number is around 86 - 90 units but double check with each UC.</p>
<p>I’m still looking around online for info about academic renewal plus Cal Grant. For federally based financial aid, academic renewal is not an option. But I haven’t found out information for the state-level program (Cal Grant).</p>
<p>Hey Annika,</p>
<p>Thanks for trying to find info. I can’t seem to find a clear answer on the academic renewal part of Cal Grant either. I did mean that I am independent based on taxes and FAFSA since I am 26. The cumulative number of transfer units will definitely be under 90. I’m in the process of obtaining previous transcripts, but I have to use snail mail for all these since I am not a current student. </p>
<p>Thanks</p>