The EDGE | Prepare to Launch | Fall 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:

WELCOME

Dear Student, Welcome to the Fall 2023 edition of THE EDGE!

We hope you’ve enjoyed your summer vacation and are feeling refreshed and energized as you launch into the new academic year. With the start of your Fall semester also comes the start of college application season. We know this process can be overwhelming, which is why our team at UCI has thoughtfully curated this issue to include everything you need to know about getting started with the application process whether you are just starting high school or entering your senior year. We know one of the primary challenges in this process is understanding all the different steps you need to take to apply. We’ve got you covered! In this issue you will also learn about the different types of colleges and how to choose the right one for you. Remember there is no such thing as the “best college”, only the one that is best for you. For those considering applying to a UC, we offer specific guidance for telling your story through the components of the application. You are much more than your grade point average and telling your own personal story is a critical part of this process. Finally, you will also learn how to apply for financial aid and discover a few universal resources and programs that are available across all UCs in the system.

Through this edition we provide you detailed information to guide you through each step of the college application process. Regardless of the stage you are at, we hope this information sparks some ideas in you and helps you navigate with more ease. In addition, we give special insights on the topic of leadership and how you can be a leader in your school or community. Developing your leadership skills will assist you not only in the college application process but will also help you as a college student and beyond!

See you on campus!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D. Assistant Vice Chancellor of Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine

COUNTDOWN TO A-G SUCCESS

by Yahaira Montoya, Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Whether you are thinking about attending a UC or CSU, as you go through high school, you may already be working toward fulfilling some of the admission requirements of these higher education institutions… Here are key steps in preparing for your future college voyage!

Your completion of the A-G requirements is a crucial factor for being eligible to apply to universities, which you can fulfill by completing courses that are UC approved.

The 15 A-G courses must be passed with a letter grade of C or better and 11 of them should be completed before starting your senior year of high school. It is important to note that your high school graduation requirements may not always align with your completion of the A-G requirements so it is imperative that you be proactive and frequently check in with your high school counselor to ensure you are on the right trajectory towards completing the A-G requirements. Aside from taking courses at your high school to satisfy this requirement, you may also fulfill it by completing AP course exams and Dual Enrollment courses at a community college. College courses may even allow you to explore other classes and topics of interest within a specific subject.

Let's cruise through the A-G requirements.

Starting as soon as your 9th grade year in high school, you can begin completing the subject requirements for your A-G completion. See the chart to the right for courses you must take.

If you already have a major in mind, it is recommended to take additional courses related to the field. For example, if you are considering pursuing a STEM major (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you should take additional math or science courses beyond the required years. If you decide to take additional years of the science requirement to be a more competitive college applicant, courses like Computer Science, Engineering, and Applied Science can be used for the D category of your A-G courses as an additional science.

As you work to complete this requirement, remember to take courses you find enjoyable when possible. The first UC-approved course you take is just as important as the last course you take because of the impact it has on your completion of this requirement, along with your GPA.

A-G REQUIREMENTS

AHistory/Social Science

2 years, 1 year of world history, Cultures or Historical Geography and 1 year US History, or one semester of U.S. History and one semester of Civics or American Govt

BEnglish

CMathematics

4 years of college preparatory English, composition and literature required

3 years required, 4 years recommended. Acceptable courses; combinations of Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Statistics, or Trigonometry

DScience

Formally known as Lab Science

2 years required, 3 years recommended.

2 years of college prep science: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Computer Science, Engineering, & Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional science (this would fulfill the recommended 3rd year of science)

ELanguage other than English

FVisual and Performing Arts

2 years required, 3 years recommended

1 year of college preparatory visual and performing arts required from one of the following disciplines: Dance, Music, Theater, Visual Arts (painting, web/ graphic design, film/video, and Inter/ multimedia arts)

GCollege Preparatory Elective

1 year of college prep coursework required. Chosen from courses approved in the A-G subject areas beyond those used to satisfy the requirements of the A-G subjects

2023-2024 College timeline

by Natalie Salgado, EAOP Presentation Team, UC Irvine

OCTOBER

● October 1: Application filing period. Applications can officially be submitted beginning October 1st. The deadline to submit your CSU and UC applications is November 30th. Participate in college fairs.

● October 1: CA Dream act application opens. The Dream Act application opens October 1st and closes March 2nd, 2024. Financial aid can require a lot of information, make sure you have all the required documents and information ready to be submitted.

DECEMBER

● FAFSA application opens. FAFSA application is being simplified and revamped. For this year only, the FAFSA application is expected to open in December of 2023 and close on March 2, 2024. Financial aid can be tricky, make sure you get a head start by creating your FSA ID account and have all the required documents and information ready to be submitted.

● Scholarships.Congrats on submitting your college applications! Now is a good time to start looking into scholarships. There are plenty of options available online. You may want to start by looking at the University of California website, individual campus websites, as well as the FAFSA website.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

● August 1: UC applications open. Application season begins! You are not yet able to submit your UC application, but it’s a good idea to take a look at it early on.

Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) are a big part of the application. We encourage you to begin reflecting on your accomplishments, interests, and goals to help you stand out.

● Continue working on your PIQs. Draft your PIQs early on and make sure to ask for feedback from academic advisors or teachers.

NOVEMBER

● November 1 - 30: Filing Period. Final day to submit your UC and CSU applications is November 30th! Make sure you filled it out to the best of your ability and uploaded all the required documents. You will not be able to submit your application past the deadline.

JANUARY

● Contact schools/ advisors. You want to make sure you are on the right path to success! Keep in contact with counselors, advisors, and schools themselves to get any updates, advice, or information needed to continue the application process.

FEBRUARY

● Visit college campuses. Most college campuses offer free campus tours for you and your families. Take advantage and visit as many as you can. Sometimes, stepping onto a campus can help you decide which school is right for you.

APRIL

● Admission decisions. Take this month to make an informed decision about which school you will be attending. You are now one step closer to being a college student!

JUNE

● Request and send official transcripts from your high school registrar and make sure they are sent to the university you plan to enroll in, the deadline is July 1st, 2023.

● Be sure to complete any items on your institution’s portal todo list.

MARCH

● March 1: School admissions. One step closer! You will be receiving admission updates from your prospective schools during this month. Make sure to check your emails and portals for any new information and updates.

● March 2: FAFSA and CA Dream Act due. FAFSA priority deadline is March 2nd.

● March 31: Last day of admissions decision updates.

MAY

● May 1: SIR deadline for UC and CSU campuses. By this time, you should have received updates on your portals regarding admissions. May 1st is the deadline to submit the Student Intent to Register (SIR) to ONE school. If you commit to more than one campus, there is a possibility of having your SIR rescinded from all campuses.

July

● July 1: Transcripts due. Now that you have completed your final year of high school it is important to keep the university informed of your course completion by sending your official high school transcript.

BLastoff Blueprint: An Overview of the 4 Systems of Higher Education

by Lesley Leyva, Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Before any mission, a blueprint is vital in identifying where you are going to land. California’s higher education system includes 4 groups of school institutions: the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), Private/Independent Universities, and the California Community Colleges (CCC). These school systems offer a variety of programs, degrees, certificates, and opportunities for students to prepare for their careers. However, the preparation to attend such schools differs within each system. When deciding which school is right for you, choose the school that best fits your future career goals, learning style, and interests.

To determine what system is the best for you, there are many things to consider. Your college will be like a second home where you will be spending time in classes meeting new people, and networking with faculty and staff. You want to make sure that you research where your campus is located to make sure that you enjoy your surrounding city where you will be spending time in. Another important factor is to consider your learning style, some universities such as many UCs (excluding UC Berkeley and UC Merced) are on a quarter system that consists of a 10-week learning period within the three quarters of the academic year. In other higher education systems, such as California State University (CSU) and Community College (CC) systems, an academic year consists of two semesters that are each fifteen weeks. A quarter system is more fast paced than a semester system and it is important to identify which system will work best for your learning.

Follow along on the next page to understand some of the similarities and differences amongst the four systems! This will give you an overview of all higher learning institutions so you can plan your journey of where you would like to land!

Mission Possible: College is for Undocumented Students

by Denisse Viera, Undergraduate Admissions Evaluator, UC Irvine

As you prepare for your journey, it is important to know what your trajectory is and which route you will take. While applying to college can be stressful and overwhelming, this is a time to be excited and celebrate your achievements and the hard work it took to get to this point. The next few months will be hectic, especially after learning about the resources available once you become an undocumented college student.

The first step in the college application is deciding which colleges and universities you want to apply to. One of the most important factors is the support you will receive as an undocumented student. It is exciting to share that California offers some of the best support services for Dreamers. Many service programs are available at California Community Colleges, the California State Universities, and the University of California system.

f At every California Community College (CCC), you will have access to UndocuLiaisons; they provide support in reaching your personal, educational, and career goals by connecting you with the appropriate resource on or offcampus. You can find information about the UndocuLiaisons and the services each CCC campus offers by visiting their website, www.cccco. edu/Students/Support-Services.

f Within the California State University (CSU) system, you will find that most campuses offer resource centers specifically designed to support undocumented students. For example, you will find the Dream Resource Center at CSU Bakersfield and the Dreamer Success Center at CSU Long Beach. The CSU system has created a list of resources at every campus; it is readily available by searching “Resources for Undocumented Students” on The California State University website.

f Lastly, if you are considering applying to the University of California (UC), know that the UC system proudly creates safe spaces for undocumented students to access academic, mental health, legal support, and more. Like the CSU system, most UC campuses offer a Dream center; at UC Irvine, it is known as the UCI Dream Center. UC Davis has the AB540 and Undocumented Student Center, and you’ll find the Undocumented Student Program at UC Riverside. Along with the well-established resource centers, you can find support in student organizations like Students Empowering Dreams at UC Merced and Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education at UC Berkeley. As a Dreamer, you will access support programs and organizations at any public institution you pursue in California. Suppose you want to pursue higher education beyond public colleges and universities in California. In that case, you will like to learn if the school/s you are interested in have similar programs to those mentioned above. Remember to do your research and take advantage of the resources available.

Exploring Community College as an Option

by Michelle Diaz, P-20 Lead, Center for Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine

It’s a narrative that has persisted for years - the idea that students only turn to community colleges as a last resort, a backup plan after being denied admission to a traditional four-year university. That it is not easy to transfer from a community college into a fouryear university. While these may be commonly heard myths, community colleges have proven to be successful institutions to help students achieve their higher education goals. Whether students are looking to transfer to a university or looking into obtaining a vocational certificate, community colleges are for everyone! Students who attend community colleges have the ability to obtain an associate's degree, an associate's degree for transfer, vocational certificates, or a professional license. There are many vocational programs that are offered at community colleges such as automotive technical licenses, cosmetology programs, and hospitality programs.

Besides the opportunities for professional development, community colleges are proven to have financial benefits. Benefits include lower tuition, the ability to avoid higher living costs, and taking advantage of exceptional transfer preparation programs. For many students, going to a community college is a bit easier and more affordable through the California Promise grant. The California promise makes community college affordable by waiving community college enrollment fees for the first two years enrolled in a participating community college.

Moreover, community colleges provide an optimal environment for easing into higher education. Many students are often juggling various responsibilities

aside from their academic studies like caring for their families or working multiple jobs. Attending a community college allows for flexibility with class schedules and with the transition into a higher education environment. Regardless, opportunities at a community college are endless which can lead to success in any career path. By taking the community college route, students are able to build community with other students, succeed in academics at their determined pace, and take advantage of specialized programs and support systems that are available to them while at the community college.

SYSTEM EXPLORATION: Things to Know About the UC Campuses

by Jasmine Coley, M.Ed., Student Management Specialist, EAOP, UC Irvine

Exploring the UC system is essential before selecting the best campus for you. Choosing a campus should be based on your interests and should represent some aspect of you and your goals. While considering your options for college, consider the unique and ample opportunities the University of California (UC) system offers. The UC system is comprised of 10 universities, with 9 of the campuses offering undergraduate degrees. The UC is ranked the highest among the public universities, and all nine campuses provide a broad range of four-year programs. Whether you are a firstgeneration student, a STEM leader, or an activist, there is a campus for you and an opportunity to receive a worldclass education.

To assist you as you are starting your college exploration journey, we have a comparison quick sheet to help you decide which UC is right for you:

UC Berkeley

f Location: Berkeley, California

f Mascot: Oski the Bear

f 18:1 student to faculty ratio

f 150 undergraduate majors

Known for their social justice advocacy and political engagement

f Division 1 in athletics

f Located in a vibrant college town that’s close to downtown Berkeley

f 15 miles from San Francisco

UC Davis

f Location: Davis, California

f Mascot: Gunrock the Mustang

f 20:1 student to faculty ratio

f 102 undergraduate majors

If you are interested in Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, UC Davis is known for their expertise in these majors

f One of the top bicycle friendly universities

f Located in a unique college town near downtown Davis

f Peaceful campus, surrounded by nature

UC Irvine:

f Location: Irvine, California

f Mascot: Peter the Anteater

f 18:1 student to faculty ratio

f 85 undergraduate majors

f The first public university to create an official Esports program.

f Only campus in the UC system that has the Donald Bren school of Information and Computer Sciences

f Located in a unique place, where you are near the beach, an hour from LA and hour from San Diego UCLA

f Location: Los Angeles, California

f Mascot: Joe Bruin

f 18:1 student to faculty ratio

f 30 undergraduate majors Including Biology, Business Economics, political science, psychology, psychobiology.

f Outstanding and competitive sport teams and school spirit

UC Merced

f Location: Merced, California

f Mascot: Rufus the Bobcat

f 20:1 student to faculty ratio

f 24 undergraduate majors

f UC Merced is one of the newer UC campuses with about 8,000 students on campus which give the public institution a more private feel

f Located close to downtown Merced and often called the gateway to Yosemite.

UC Riverside:

f Location: Riverside, California

f Mascot: Scotty the Highlander

f 21:1 student to faculty ratio

f 80 undergraduate majors Including Management, Psychology, Engineering, Political Science

f Known for having a diverse campus and demographic

f They are the highest elevation campus in the UC system

UC Santa Barbara

f Location: Santa Barbara, California

f Mascot: Ole the Gaucho

f 18:1 student to faculty ratio

f 90 undergraduate majors

Known for their College of Creative studies, which includes majors such arts, mathematics, computing, sciences and literature. You’ll get the opportunity to dive deeper in your major, conduct research, and explore your passion within the major.

f The campus has a beachy feel to it because its located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and home to sites for ecological research.

UC Santa Cruz

f Location: Santa Cruz, California

f Mascot: Sammy the Slug

f 19:1 student to faculty ratio

f 66 undergraduate majors Includes human biology and business management economics

f Located between the Pacific Ocean and the redwood forest, so the campus has a forestry and woodsy feel to it

f Campus is located within a forest

f Smaller class sizes

UC San Diego

f Location: La Jolla, California

f Mascot: King Triton

f 19:1 student to faculty ratio

f 130 undergraduate majors

Majors are divided into seven separate colleges

f Tight knit community with attentive advisors and inspiring amenities

f Close to hiking spots, the beach, downtown, Balboa Park, and Gaslamp Quarters

Preparing for Launch: Intro to the UC Application

by Yultzin Angeles, Events and Partnerships Specialist, EAOP, UC Irvine

As you prepare for your launch, these are vital things to know about the UC application process. Applying to a UC can be daunting, especially when you don't know what to expect. This article will provide a breakdown along with tips to help you prepare and hopefully alleviate some of your worries about the application process.

Get Started Early

First and foremost, it's essential to know that students can begin working on their UC application as early as August 1st. This early start gives applicants ample time to gather the necessary information, brainstorm ideas for the PIQs, and draft their responses. The application submission period begins on October 1st, and the application deadline is November 30th. Students should submit their applications as early as possible to avoid stress.

Launching Application Sections

The first section, "About You," provides a comprehensive picture of yourself and your family and includes household information and citizenship status. If you are a DACA student or undocumented, don't worry! You will enter your SSN or ITIN if available,

Moving on, the "Campuses & Majors" section allows you to select the UC campuses and majors that align with your academic and career goals. Researching the campuses and leveraging resources like school clubs or community organizations can significantly aid in making informed decisions.

The third section, "Academic History," requires listing all the courses you have taken and the corresponding grades. It's important to include any high school-level math or foreign

APPLICATION

language courses you may have completed in 7th or 8th grade. If you have undertaken college or university-level courses during high school, be sure to report them here as well.

In the "Exams" section, you will be asked to report the exams you have taken or plan to take, such as AP and IB. Starting in 2021, SAT and ACT scores are no longer considered for admission decisions. However, they can still be used to fulfill minimum requirements or earn college course credit after admission.

The "Activities and Awards" section is where you will document your involvement beyond the classroom. This includes educational preparation programs, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, job experiences, and any awards or honors you have received. Take this opportunity to highlight your diverse interests and showcase your commitment and achievements outside of academics.

Next up is the "Scholarships and Programs" section, which prompts you to select relevant categories based on your background, identity, academic interests, affiliations, career plans, ethnicity, religion, and more.

Lastly, the highlight of the UC application is the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). These questions allow applicants to showcase their personality, achievements, and challenges in a more personal and reflective way. Remember to start early, provide accurate information, and give your best effort when responding to the Personal Insight Questions.

In the following article, you will venture into a deeper understanding of the PIQs to highlight your achievements in your community or home.

Touring Personal Insight Questions, Activities & Awards

by Veronica Sanchez, Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

The UC application is unique in comparison to applying to other universities because of the Personal Insight Questions (PIQ's) component of the application. It may be challenging to start thinking to yourself, "Who am I as a person?" and "What do I enjoy doing?" Luckily, this is a great way to start exploring your true self as you prepare to apply and go to college.

PIQs are about getting to know YOU better; more importantly, your life experiences, interests, ambitions, and aspirations. PIQs will provide admissions the additional context that they can’t read through your grades or accomplishments in your application. A great way to think of this is, it’s your interview with the admissions office without dressing up professionally and meeting them in person! A nice and quick way to get to know you so we encourage you to be reflective and, of course, be open in telling us your story.

The PIQs provide you 8 questions to choose from but you will only need to answer 4. Each question response is limited to a maximum of 350 words, and there is no right or wrong way to answer them or a better question than others to select. Believe it or not, it's all up to you and what questions you feel most comfortable responding to! All questions will be given equal consideration in the review process. Please keep in mind, these questions are about getting to know your personality, background, interests, and achievements through your own unique voice.

PIQs

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Activities and Awards

Being involved in extracurricular activities or leadership roles inside and outside school can say a lot about a person, especially when applying to colleges. In this section of the application, it allows you the opportunity to take admissions readers on a tour of all the great things you did inside and outside of your A-G coursework and to demonstrate who you are beyond your academics. This portion of the application is open-ended, where you may enter up to 20 activities and awards. Ensure that you provide ample time to commit to this section to ensure that you are using 350 characters to describe each action to its full potential. There is no right or wrong way to approach this section, the order of activities does not matter, but it is all about the quality of the activities rather than the quantity of how many you have done. We want students to provide a complete picture of their lives and should not feel pressured to use all 20 entries. Pick and choose extracurriculars and leadership roles you feel most strongly passionate about. This will give UC Admissions a broad view of your involvement and will portray the kind of student you will be on their college campus!

IGNITING YOUR POTENTIAL: LEADERS OF TODAY

by Viviana Cabrera, Presentation Team, EAOP, UC Irvine

Institutions are always looking for great leaders to innovate, improve, and identify areas that need further exploration to create change and impact in our societies. Leaders are highly sought out within the UC system which is why throughout the application process you are asked to include activities you are involved in and respond to PIQ’s to demonstrate what kind of leader you have been throughout your academic journey. As you continue, you will learn about the different kinds of leadership that will help you stand out in your UC application and college going journey.

Leadership is the ability to use one's position to influence, motivate, and support others toward achieving a goal that can create a positive impact. An individual can be a leader of a group, class, organization, society, etc. Regardless of the individuals being led, a leader must use their skills and knowledge to guide others toward accomplishing their goals. When taking the time to think about influential leaders in history, common characteristics come to mind. A great leader has vision, the ability and skills to communicate how their idea can become a reality, and the ability to be empathetic when collaborating and connecting with others. A great leader knows how to take initiative, taking charge when presented with the opportunity. Despite the difficulty, a great leader remains persistent and determined to achieve the group's goals. These are just a few examples of the qualities that make a good leader. Individuals can incorporate unique personal characteristics to establish themselves as influential and effective leaders.

Leadership can appear in two forms - informal leadership and formal leadership. Everyday leadership is a significant role that can be held in your personal life to support others. There are various forms of informal leadership, but a common one is an older sibling who balances multiple responsibilities in the household. Formal leadership is much more well-known and can be understood as a specific leadership position or title in an organized group. For example, taking on the role of president of a school club or captain of a school sport.

Opportunities to step into leadership positions exist all around you. In school, you can become a leader in your classroom by leading a group project. You can take initiative in extracurricular activities by taking on more responsibilities to develop your skills before stepping into a "formal" position. If you have siblings at home, you can assist your parents by caring for them and the house and working part-time to help support your family.

Leadership can look different for all students and can play a different role depending on what the student applies it to. Leadership can be focused on school clubs, school sports, community programs, a job, and in a student's home. By taking on leadership roles, students can become more competitive applicants and can allow universities to see what future leaders will be students at their schools.

PREPARE FOR LIFTOFF: LAUNCHING YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION

by Rosa G. Lizarraga, Data and Technology Specialist, EAOP, UC Irvine

As you prepare for liftoff and launch into your higher education plans, several thoughts may pop up in your head. College sounds like a great option for me, but how will I pay for it? How do my parents or guardians help me pay for college? Is it wrong to get a loan for college? Are scholarships the only way to pay for college? Well, you’ve come to the right place because this article will prepare you for liftoff as you consider your financial aid options and the different ways you can fund your college education.

First things first, let’s define what financial aid is. Financial Aid is money that is either given or lent to students to help pay for college-related expenses. Two types of financial aid applications will be very important for students when applying to colleges; the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Let’s see some key differences between these two applications.

f

f

fRequired to input their Social Security Number

f

fNOT required to have DACA

fNOT required to have a Social Security Number

When preparing to apply for the FAFSA or the CADAA, you and your parents will need to gather some important forms and documents. Here is a list of some of the most crucial information you’ll need when filling out your financial aid applications:

f W-2 forms and other 2022 records of income

f 2022 income tax return(s) for parents & student if they have one

f Record of child support paid

f Bank statements and records of investments

f Untaxed income

f FSA ID to sign electronically (strictly for FAFSA)

f Social Security Number for Parent & Student (if applicable)

f Your Alien Registration Number (if applicable)

Another essential thing to remember when diving into financial aid information is that you may come across new words and terms you may have never heard before. For example, you’ll come across words such as; gift aid, non-gift aid, and estimated cost of attendance.

fMarch 2, 2024 (to be eligible for both State and Federal aid)

fJun 30, 2024 (to be eligible for Federal aid)

fMarch 2, 2024

Gift aid is financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants and scholarships fall under this category. On the other hand, there is non-gift aid, which can be defined as financial aid that is borrowed and does need to be repaid. Loans and programs such as federal work-study are both considered non-gift aid. Estimated Cost of Attendance is the total amount it will cost you to attend a school during an academic year, which includes; tuition & fees, room & board, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses.

If you decide to attend a UC campus, a great program that could help finance your tuition and fees is the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan. As a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year, and you qualify for financial aid, this plan ensures that you will not have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of your pocket. To qualify for this program and many others, it is critical that you submit a financial aid application by March 2, 2024, as well as meet any additional requirements listed on the UC Admissions website.

Figuring out the financial aid process can be a very intimidating and overwhelming experience. However, with the help of this essential guide, you will have a launching blueprint of what to expect and how to be better prepared.

FINANCIAL AID UPDATES: The Simplified FAFSA Form and New Requirements

by Rosy Rizo, M. Ed., Program Lead, EAOP, UC Irvine

Financial Aid is a crucial component to ensure that you are receiving the aid you need to continue your flight to higher education. Whether you are deciding on attending a Community College, California State University, University of California, or Private Institution, aid is available for you as long as you apply and complete a financial aid application. This year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is going through a revamp to make the application process simple and easier to complete. The new FAFSA form is expected to open in December of 2023 with only a total of 49 questions to complete. This new and improved form will make reporting family size and income easier by connecting your FSA ID information to match IRS records. The FSA ID will serve as an identification to each contributor on the form, making it easier to report your family income and family size without having to review your tax forms extensively and minimize potential errors. This new and improved FAFSA will allow all students, parents, and guardians to create an FSA ID regardless of legal status, and FSA ID will need to be created to provide consent and process the FAFSA Application.

While this application is in development, there are a few significant changes to note:

f “Save Key” feature has been removed

f “IRS Transfer Data Retrieval Tool” has been removed

f You can now enter double the amount of colleges (Up to 20 schools instead of 10!)

f EFC “Expected Family Contribution” is now being changed to “Student Aid Index”

The improved version of this FAFSA form will support application completion rates that align with Assembly Bill 469, a California Law that requires all high school seniors to complete a financial aid application or opt out of completing one. Depending on your high school district, it might also be a graduation requirement!

Keep in mind that these changes are only reflected on the FAFSA form. If you are a student that completes the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), the application will remain the same. The CADAA will open Oct 1, 2023 and will be due by March 2, 2024. Please connect with your high school counselors, EAOP team, and administration for updates on the updated FAFSA form!

Editors:

Michelle Diaz, P-20 Lead, UC Irvine

Rosario Rizo, M. Ed., Program Lead, EAOP, UC Irvine

Alondra Garcia Bedolla, Director, K-16 Career Pathways Program

Ashley Cheri, Ed.D., Manager, P-20 Programs

Contributors:

Yultzin Angeles, Events and Partnerships Specialist, EAOP, UC Irvine

Viviana Cabrera, Presentation Team, EAOP, UC Irvine

Jasmine Coley, M. Ed., Student Management Specialist, EAOP, UC Irvine

Michelle Diaz, P-20 Lead, UC Irvine

Lesley Leyva, Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Rosa G. Lizarraga, Data and Technology Specialist, UC Irvine

Yahaira Montoya, Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Rosy Rizo, M. Ed., Program Lead, EAOP, UC Irvine

Natalie Salgado, Presentation Team, EAOP, UC Irvine

Veronica Sanchez, Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Denise Viera, Undergraduate Admissions Evaluator, UC Irvine

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Publication by: University of California, Irvine | Center for Educational Partnerships | School of Education

Ashley Cheri, Ph.D., P-20 Manager, Center for Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine

Santana Ruiz, M.Ed., Deputy Director, Center for Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine

Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor, Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine