How does academic renewal affect Cal Grant application?

annikasorrensen
Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:06:43 +0000

There’s a lot of information to sort out. I don’t have all the answers but here is a start.

First, just to clarify, I assume that while you are independent for tax purposes that you are not 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.

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.

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.

A few other issues about transferring to a UC.

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.

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.

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).