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I am excited to have gotten a 24k a year scholarship from USC. The same day, I get an email from UCLA saying they had a "provisional" award letter (the ePAL). Unfortunately, all I see on the ePAL are loan offers, and not a penny of scholarship monies. I already sent UCLA a letter letting them know of USC's generosity. LA is my first choice, but 72k a too sweet to ignore. I got until 4/15 to accept USC's offer and am spinning in circles.

Does anyone know if the ePAL is subject to change? Does scholarship money even figure in the ePAL, or does it come separately? I am totally confused, especially since the two schools' financial aid matters have been handled in such different ways. What should I do? I'd call financial aid office to ask directly but I'm overseas and don't even have reliable phone access. Right now if UCLA doesn't budge, them I'm definitely gonna have to go with USC : (

Thanks all!

obviously

burtonrideclub wrote:obviously

my question was less about whether i should take ucla at sticker vs usc with 72k, because yes, that is a no brainer.

I was more curious about the whole process of negotiating with financial aid, and the significance of ucla's ePAL, specifically, if it is subject to change.

clo5ure wrote:

burtonrideclub wrote:obviously

my question was less about whether i should take ucla at sticker vs usc with 72k, because yes, that is a no brainer.

I was more curious about the whole process of negotiating with financial aid, and the significance of ucla's ePAL, specifically, if it is subject to change.

I'm not sure but it seems like a lot of people are facing the same shock right now. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. I'd e-mail if you think there's something they should have considered. (i.e. your USC scholly)

Similar situation, different schools- but if UCLA gave me some money, it would make a difference. Also checked out my ePAL and no merit-based anything. I e-mailed financial aid (the address on the ePAL) to find out if this means no merit aid is forthcoming, and I got an auto-reply saying the office is closed until the 29th. D'oh. I may get in touch with admissions.

My guess is you'll find the Admissions Office is also closed. It's UCLA's Spring Break and due to the joys of UC budget cuts, I think the entire law school staff is on mandatory a furlough.

When did you hear about SC scholarship stuff? I was just admitted and am wondering if I'll get anything...

Any updates on this situation?

roundabout, did you hear back from the UCLA finaid office? I'm wondering the same thing about merit-based aid; no indication on my ePAL either.

clo5ure, what did UCLA say in response to your letter about USC aid?

I believe the epal letter is the final award letter unless you have been nominated for any scholarships. Dean Schwartz emailed me my grant money amount separately, and then later I got an epal letter with the award and loans listed.

For those of you out there who received merit awards from UCLA, did your letters specify any restrictions i.e. making top third of class? I know some awards have rules and some don't. Although my award is quite small, and listed for 3 years, I don't want to ask them about restrictions and give them the chance to add them on. Please post or pm me to help!