Submitted the SIR...what's next?

Kender
Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:59:40 +0000

I have to disagree with Liesel on a couple points:

2) Actually, Porter isn’t that likely. It will depend on how many have placed it as their first choice, though. If enough people believe Porter’s stereotypes and don’t apply for that reason, then he should have a decent chance. They are accepting both less freshman and even less transfers as affiliates again this year because of the Transfer Community (TC). An entire dorm building (one of two) has been given up. There is simply not the space because of the forced segregation of transfers at the TC.

I do hope your son does get assigned to Porter, though. I wish everyone could get their first choice.

6) All the information they gave to parents during my orientation was easily obtainable outside of orientation and it was an absolute waste of money for the parent to attend. The only reason to even go as a student is to register in your classes early (before those who don’t go to orientation) and a chance to speak with an adviser before you do. Considering the financial aid package you named, I doubt you’d qualify for the student fee waiver so you would be paying over $200 for the both of you to go.

While your son is off at orientation, I recommend either giving yourself a self-tour if you so choose or running off and playing around the town. There is nothing they give you that is worth, in my opinion, the cost for a parent to go to orientation. There is no additional benefit for the student like the student’s ability to register earlier than if they did not go. Go play while your son registers. There are some very beautiful areas to explore :)

In the end, though, it is a personal choice.

As for one of your other questions:
5) Do you know if you met the income and asset ceiling requirements for Cal Grant? Did you meet the requirements (income and having applied for Cal Grant) for Blue&Gold?

Do you know your EFC? While the above programs are based on income and asset ceilings, EFC is used for determining federal aid. Since some of the stafford is subsidized, your EFC is probably lower than the COA, but not enough to warrant any aid.

The package you received is possibly fairly accurate. The UCs really only tend to be generous to the low-income students who qualify for either the state aid program (Cal Grant) or the system program (Blue&Gold). If you have circumstances that are not properly reflected on FAFSA, though, you can speak with the financial aid office and see if an adjustment can be made.