<p>I am a strong student with a variety of extra curriculars, and was admitted at both UC Davis and Cornell University as a freshman for the fall. </p>
<p>However, I had to turn down Cornell, due to finances. I pursued Davis, and had every intention of enrolling until a few nights ago, when I discovered that my federal loans were denied based on my parent’s credit score. Now it seems that I will be unable to attend in the fall, as even any private loans I have applied to as backup have been denied.</p>
<p>SO, here is my question. What are ways that a community college student can stand out, in order to successfully transfer to these schools in the future? It seems that within my community college in particular, there are very limited opportunities to get involved with club and leadership positions, so I am trying to think outside the box. I have looked into a semester abroad through my cc, in hopes that it will improve my college resume. I’ve also looked into a summer internship with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). If it makes any difference, my future major will be International Agriculture Development. Suggestions?</p>
<p>I have never heard of Federal Student Loans being denied based on parent (or student) credit. They are for the student and credit isn’t an issue. I’m worried that you do not understand your FA packages.</p>
<p>You can get into UCD from a CCC with a modest gpa (3.7 to be safe) and a few ECs that you enjoy. No need to go abroad (geesh, save your cash).</p>
<p>I live in Michigan. The 4 year schools offer lots of good scholarships to CC students, but one of the things I noticed is that students need to be part of Phi Theta Kappa, the CC honor society, in order to qualify. Your CC’s advising department should be able to give you lots of good advice.</p>
<p>“I have never heard of Federal Student Loans being denied based on parent (or student) credit. They are for the student and credit isn’t an issue. I’m worried that you do not understand your FA packages.”</p>
<p>I wish it was true! But it turns out that new legislation this year has led to a credit check on Parent PLUS federal loans It didn’t used to be this way.</p>
<p>Parent PLUS loans have always been subject to a credit check. A couple years ago, the credit check really loosened up … people who had previously been denied were accepted. I don’t know what will happen this year.</p>
<p>Join a lot of clubs. Get involved with student government (leadership position). Get involved in college honors society. Do TAP. Work two jobs. Worked for my Berkeley and Stanford friends.</p>
It didn’t used to be this way.</p>