The problem @ucbalumnus is the rules are so skewed to low income people, that families in the middle are screwed. We are not high income by a long shot but because of assets I am paying full tuition for both my kids without the option of any merit scholarship (even though my daughter was 4.0). Even regents - it first separates by merit, than filters for FA. That seems unfair. A friend who was president of the Berkeley Alumni chapter on the peninsula for four years, finally stepped down, as did the other three alumni scholarship interviewers, because during that entire four year period there was not one applicant who did not have hardship/great financial need/disability. Not one in four years! These interviewers are people who are very philanthropic, but the term she used was “disgusted.” They were disgusted that not one deserving candidate was brought forth who just had strong leadership and academic achievement in four years. No, the system is set up to reward one group, and the ultra-high group can get by easily. The middle group has no options.
I can say that virtually every single UC scholarship eliminates students who are not in dire need, even though for some (such as Regents), it is often noted as just one consideration of many. In reality, it’s the one required consideration. So just be upfront and say it, UC.
Another weird thing: UCB TAP does not give priority, merely helps a student achieve the best possible application submission. It’s written everywhere on the Berkeley site. But then it is also urged by UC counselors to note in the essay that you’re UCB TAP. Clearly, that is to signal special treatment. Why else do they say to put that in?
Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with that. Give aid to those who need it. I just think the system could be more fair to all applicants. And I think there is a duplicity in how things are presented by the UCs.
I am paying full tuition, my income is low, and I cannot afford the cost of living in CA. I am depleting my assets and will undoubtedly have to sell my house. Why? Because the system has discarded us. Raising tuition year after year is not making an even playing field across all income tiers. I’m paying about $33,000 a year.
Also, lowering tuition also would provide more aid to more students, no?