Hastings Class of 2012 Forum

[vb007]

yeah it's bullshit. i get shafted for saving my money. and i'm a california resident too, so the non-resident theory isn't right...

[stevededalus]

I don't think Hastings grants go only to those without savings. I have some savings and received a scholarship offer, with the criteria being both need and merit. In fact, they've already calculated my savings into my financial aid package and expect me to use it for about half my tuition next year. I'd go back to that financial aid officer and ask for specific financial cutoffs, if possible. There was a merit component to the scholarship, too, so it's possible that they have merit cutoffs as well. Doesn't seem right to penalize you for having savings when $30K is nothing compared to law school debt these days.

[General Tso]

I don't think Hastings grants go only to those without savings. I have some savings and received a scholarship offer, with the criteria being both need and merit. In fact, they've already calculated my savings into my financial aid package and expect me to use it for about half my tuition next year. I'd go back to that financial aid officer and ask for specific financial cutoffs, if possible. There was a merit component to the scholarship, too, so it's possible that they have merit cutoffs as well. Doesn't seem right to penalize you for having savings when $30K is nothing compared to law school debt these days.

They wouldn't give any specifics about cutoffs, etc. I asked.

And her exact words were "our grants are reserved for those who have close to nothing" in savings. She said explicitly that my parents' assets had nothing to do with my finaid decision, and that I didn't qualify solely on the basis of my savings.

Scholarships are different from grants...grants are entirely need-based. I don't qualify for any kind of scholarship with a 162 LSAT.

[herewego]

I don't think Hastings grants go only to those without savings. I have some savings and received a scholarship offer, with the criteria being both need and merit. In fact, they've already calculated my savings into my financial aid package and expect me to use it for about half my tuition next year. I'd go back to that financial aid officer and ask for specific financial cutoffs, if possible. There was a merit component to the scholarship, too, so it's possible that they have merit cutoffs as well. Doesn't seem right to penalize you for having savings when $30K is nothing compared to law school debt these days.

They wouldn't give any specifics about cutoffs, etc. I asked.

And her exact words were "our grants are reserved for those who have close to nothing" in savings. She said explicitly that my parents' assets had nothing to do with my finaid decision, and that I didn't qualify solely on the basis of my savings.

Scholarships are different from grants...grants are entirely need-based. I don't qualify for any kind of scholarship with a 162 LSAT.

So I will start by saying I understand your frustration. You are being penalized for being financially responsible. I am just wondering how you want them to determine aid, if not based on how much money you have. If one student has 50 bucks in their bank account and another has 30K what are they supposed to do?

[General Tso]

I don't think Hastings grants go only to those without savings. I have some savings and received a scholarship offer, with the criteria being both need and merit. In fact, they've already calculated my savings into my financial aid package and expect me to use it for about half my tuition next year. I'd go back to that financial aid officer and ask for specific financial cutoffs, if possible. There was a merit component to the scholarship, too, so it's possible that they have merit cutoffs as well. Doesn't seem right to penalize you for having savings when $30K is nothing compared to law school debt these days.

They wouldn't give any specifics about cutoffs, etc. I asked.

And her exact words were "our grants are reserved for those who have close to nothing" in savings. She said explicitly that my parents' assets had nothing to do with my finaid decision, and that I didn't qualify solely on the basis of my savings.

Scholarships are different from grants...grants are entirely need-based. I don't qualify for any kind of scholarship with a 162 LSAT.

So I will start by saying I understand your frustration. You are being penalized for being financially responsible. I am just wondering how you want them to determine aid, if not based on how much money you have. If one student has 50 bucks in their bank account and another has 30K what are they supposed to do?

I would look more at a person's income level and that person's parents' income level more than the amount of savings. My case: I earn 39k, my parents less than 80k. Yet I have 30k in savings, and my parents have a considerable net worth bc of their 120 acres of land. We are not wealthy, just frugal.

Why should we be lumped in with millionaires?

[leron]

definitely understand your frustration, sw. the system is what it is. the best thing you can do is appeal and if it doesn't come out the way you want it, you should x hastings off your list.

[cal_08]

I didn't receive my award letter...anyone else?

[readereader]

OK... not to sound dumb here... but I got my finaid letter and at the top of a list of massive loans, there was an itsy bitsy number next to an entry that said "Expected Assistance". This was NOT the place at the top where it suggested the Expected Family Contribution (did anyone else's spouse laugh really hard at that number?)... is that grant money?

And for those worried about the amount you'll have to take out in loans, appeal if you think it's appropriate to appeal, and remember that while there's really no way to work during first year at Hastings (even if they said we could, I don't know that anyone would live through it), we may be eligible for work-study second and third years, and there are lots of scholarships and writing contests out there for second and third year students. Of course none of those are guaranteed, but with a lot of hard work and a little luck, it may be that you won't have to take out as much for second and third year.

And if not, well, spaghetti's cheap.

[General Tso]

OK... not to sound dumb here... but I got my finaid letter and at the top of a list of massive loans, there was an itsy bitsy number next to an entry that said "Expected Assistance". This was NOT the place at the top where it suggested the Expected Family Contribution (did anyone else's spouse laugh really hard at that number?)... is that grant money?

And for those worried about the amount you'll have to take out in loans, appeal if you think it's appropriate to appeal, and remember that while there's really no way to work during first year at Hastings (even if they said we could, I don't know that anyone would live through it), we may be eligible for work-study second and third years, and there are lots of scholarships and writing contests out there for second and third year students. Of course none of those are guaranteed, but with a lot of hard work and a little luck, it may be that you won't have to take out as much for second and third year.

And if not, well, spaghetti's cheap.

I was confused by that as well.

But I am pretty sure that it is NOT grant money. My Expected Assistance is 8,000 per semester...if that was a grant it would be 16k per year. And the maximum grant amount is 10k.

Dammit I am going to have to move in with my girlfriend's parents At least my share of the rent will only be $430/month.

[jawsome]

OK... not to sound dumb here... but I got my finaid letter and at the top of a list of massive loans, there was an itsy bitsy number next to an entry that said "Expected Assistance". This was NOT the place at the top where it suggested the Expected Family Contribution (did anyone else's spouse laugh really hard at that number?)... is that grant money?

And for those worried about the amount you'll have to take out in loans, appeal if you think it's appropriate to appeal, and remember that while there's really no way to work during first year at Hastings (even if they said we could, I don't know that anyone would live through it), we may be eligible for work-study second and third years, and there are lots of scholarships and writing contests out there for second and third year students. Of course none of those are guaranteed, but with a lot of hard work and a little luck, it may be that you won't have to take out as much for second and third year.

And if not, well, spaghetti's cheap.

Wait...so is the expected assistance what UCH plans on giving us? I thought it was something else...

[General Tso]

OK... not to sound dumb here... but I got my finaid letter and at the top of a list of massive loans, there was an itsy bitsy number next to an entry that said "Expected Assistance". This was NOT the place at the top where it suggested the Expected Family Contribution (did anyone else's spouse laugh really hard at that number?)... is that grant money?

And for those worried about the amount you'll have to take out in loans, appeal if you think it's appropriate to appeal, and remember that while there's really no way to work during first year at Hastings (even if they said we could, I don't know that anyone would live through it), we may be eligible for work-study second and third years, and there are lots of scholarships and writing contests out there for second and third year students. Of course none of those are guaranteed, but with a lot of hard work and a little luck, it may be that you won't have to take out as much for second and third year.

And if not, well, spaghetti's cheap.

Wait...so is the expected assistance what UCH plans on giving us? I thought it was something else...

Grant recipients, please help us out! What did your grant show up as in your award?

[herewego]

OK... not to sound dumb here... but I got my finaid letter and at the top of a list of massive loans, there was an itsy bitsy number next to an entry that said "Expected Assistance". This was NOT the place at the top where it suggested the Expected Family Contribution (did anyone else's spouse laugh really hard at that number?)... is that grant money?

And for those worried about the amount you'll have to take out in loans, appeal if you think it's appropriate to appeal, and remember that while there's really no way to work during first year at Hastings (even if they said we could, I don't know that anyone would live through it), we may be eligible for work-study second and third years, and there are lots of scholarships and writing contests out there for second and third year students. Of course none of those are guaranteed, but with a lot of hard work and a little luck, it may be that you won't have to take out as much for second and third year.

And if not, well, spaghetti's cheap.

Wait...so is the expected assistance what UCH plans on giving us? I thought it was something else...

Grant recipients, please help us out! What did your grant show up as in your award?

My grant was labeled "Hastings Grant." Not sure what "Expected Assistance" means, I don't have that on my award.

[leron]

has anybody looked at the residency questionnaire yet? they want us to send in an excessive amount of information. for those of us that are california residents, it's just ridiculous.

[gooru]

x

[gooru]

x

[General Tso]

has anybody looked at the residency questionnaire yet? they want us to send in an excessive amount of information. for those of us that are california residents, it's just ridiculous.

Yeah, it's excessively detailed. I'm not even sure why some of the questions matter. I think I'm going to wait until after I actually send in my seat deposit before bothering with the form, as it's not due until July 20.

How stringent do you guys think they will be in determining residency? I moved to California in May 2008 and can prove it with Uhaul receipts and Post Office change of address forms. I also signed a year long lease in July 2008.

However, I didn't start paying CA state taxes until October 2008 (thanks to my stupid company) and also I did not register my vehicle & get my CA driver's license until September 2008.

I am thinking they will stick it to me if they can given their budget woes. But you can apply for residency each semester so I should be good for the Spring semester in state if not the Fall.

[leron]

due july 20? just going from memory here, but i think the yellow document in my admissions envelope said june 1. in either case, lots of time. well, i already paid my deposit and i'm hurrying up to do everything else. want to get my shots before i get laid off too... yes, you have to get some shots.

sw, if you look at the last pages of the residency application they provide some details on exactly who technically qualifies. i didn't read it, honestly, since i should qualify without a doubt.

[General Tso]

due july 20? just going from memory here, but i think the yellow document in my admissions envelope said june 1. in either case, lots of time. well, i already paid my deposit and i'm hurrying up to do everything else. want to get my shots before i get laid off too... yes, you have to get some shots.

sw, if you look at the last pages of the residency application they provide some details on exactly who technically qualifies. i didn't read it, honestly, since i should qualify without a doubt.

Physical presence: I got that since I have the Uhaul proving date of entry and also the year long lease starting roughly July 25th.

Intent: I got most of this...registering to vote, voting, change of address, obtaining CA driver's license, registering auto in CA, paying taxes in CA, etc. Only problem is registering to vote, DMV things, paying taxes, all began to occur for me AFTER August 15th. But I hope the physical presence should cover me.

Financial Independence: no problem here...been working FT without parental support for 2 years.

[thissucks]

So I'm sad to say I might be leaning away from Hastings. Got a decent sized grant but got an even more decently sized scholly at Colorado. That combined with being a CO resident and having free housing, Colorado is seeming harder and harder to pass up.

Sucks because I loved Hastings. My visit was wonderful. I put in a housing deposit too.


Ehhh going to ride the decision out until last minute. STRESSED

[misteranthro]

So I'm sad to say I might be leaning away from Hastings. Got a decent sized grant but got an even more decently sized scholly at Colorado. That combined with being a CO resident and having free housing, Colorado is seeming harder and harder to pass up.

Sucks because I loved Hastings. My visit was wonderful. I put in a housing deposit too.


Ehhh going to ride the decision out until last minute. STRESSED

Congrats on the big $$$ from CU! I am in at Hastings and waiting for my FA offer, but I still don't know whether I will get anything from CU. What are your #'s if you don't mind.

[thissucks]

So I'm sad to say I might be leaning away from Hastings. Got a decent sized grant but got an even more decently sized scholly at Colorado. That combined with being a CO resident and having free housing, Colorado is seeming harder and harder to pass up.

Sucks because I loved Hastings. My visit was wonderful. I put in a housing deposit too.


Ehhh going to ride the decision out until last minute. STRESSED

Congrats on the big $$$ from CU! I am in at Hastings and waiting for my FA offer, but I still don't know whether I will get anything from CU. What are your #'s if you don't mind.

164 and 3.68. Scholly from Boulder was based on #s I think. Grant from Hastings was based on need. Are you from either state? REALLY want to go to Hastings but I'm not a natural risk taker so it's hard for me to justify paying that much. AHHH I don't know. I keep going back and forth. I'm terrible with decisions such as these. Rest of my day will be dedicated to making a pro/con chart and doing a complete financial breakdown. Glad I didn't have to work today!

[readereader]

My grant was labeled "Hastings Grant." Not sure what "Expected Assistance" means, I don't have that on my award.

Expected assistance is money received from outside sources. I have a small education grant from another source, for example, which was included in there.

Oh, and if you click on the words "Expected Assistance", it says, "Expected Assistance is the amount you reported on the Financial Aid Supplement."

OK, in order to thoroughly humiliate myself by exposing the depths of my ignorance, has anyone figured out why expected assistance is one number (a number that seems to pretty accurately reflect equal the number of dollars I could probably contribute to my legal education out of pocket each year) and then expected family contribution is a very large number that seems pretty unlikely given that I haven't been anyone's dependent in over 10 years? (Spouse's salary covers precisely 50% of our living expenses, so I really am supporting myself here.)

I'm not complaining (I figured things would be this expensive); I just need a little clarity. I tried emailing the financial aid office because I can't talk during business hours (my boss doesn't know yet), but haven't heard back from them yet, which is to be expected given that they're probably swamped right now.

[General Tso]

So I'm sad to say I might be leaning away from Hastings. Got a decent sized grant but got an even more decently sized scholly at Colorado. That combined with being a CO resident and having free housing, Colorado is seeming harder and harder to pass up.

Sucks because I loved Hastings. My visit was wonderful. I put in a housing deposit too.


Ehhh going to ride the decision out until last minute. STRESSED

Congrats on the big $$$ from CU! I am in at Hastings and waiting for my FA offer, but I still don't know whether I will get anything from CU. What are your #'s if you don't mind.

164 and 3.68. Scholly from Boulder was based on #s I think. Grant from Hastings was based on need. Are you from either state? REALLY want to go to Hastings but I'm not a natural risk taker so it's hard for me to justify paying that much. AHHH I don't know. I keep going back and forth. I'm terrible with decisions such as these. Rest of my day will be dedicated to making a pro/con chart and doing a complete financial breakdown. Glad I didn't have to work today!

No brainer to me. I would take Colorado in a heartbeat in your situation.

I am still waiting on my decision from CU...162/3.8 here. Even if I get nothing from them, I will still strongly consider given that their in state tuition is 18k vs. Hastings 32k (and rising at over 10% a year).

You can get instate at CU for 2L and 3L right?

[thissucks]

So I'm sad to say I might be leaning away from Hastings. Got a decent sized grant but got an even more decently sized scholly at Colorado. That combined with being a CO resident and having free housing, Colorado is seeming harder and harder to pass up.

Sucks because I loved Hastings. My visit was wonderful. I put in a housing deposit too.


Ehhh going to ride the decision out until last minute. STRESSED

Congrats on the big $$$ from CU! I am in at Hastings and waiting for my FA offer, but I still don't know whether I will get anything from CU. What are your #'s if you don't mind.

164 and 3.68. Scholly from Boulder was based on #s I think. Grant from Hastings was based on need. Are you from either state? REALLY want to go to Hastings but I'm not a natural risk taker so it's hard for me to justify paying that much. AHHH I don't know. I keep going back and forth. I'm terrible with decisions such as these. Rest of my day will be dedicated to making a pro/con chart and doing a complete financial breakdown. Glad I didn't have to work today!

No brainer to me. I would take Colorado in a heartbeat in your situation.

I am still waiting on my decision from CU...162/3.8 here. Even if I get nothing from them, I will still strongly consider given that their in state tuition is 18k vs. Hastings 32k (and rising at over 10% a year).

You can get instate at CU for 2L and 3L right?

Yeah it is becoming more obvious by the day. If I went to Hastings I know I would have a blast but knowing my personality, I also know I'd be a complete mess about money. If I went to Colorado I wouldn't have as much fun, but I'd be more comfortable...oh and I'd be able to eat every night haha. That would be nice. The only part I am having trouble wrapping my head around is living in Boulder. I cannot stand Boulder. However I may just have to suck it up if it means I come out of law school $30-35k in debt.

And you can get residency in CO for 2L and 3L. I think it's fairly easy too. Not to detract from Hastings. If I was a CA resident, I would be there in a heartbeat. I absolutely loved it there.

[misteranthro]

So I'm sad to say I might be leaning away from Hastings. Got a decent sized grant but got an even more decently sized scholly at Colorado. That combined with being a CO resident and having free housing, Colorado is seeming harder and harder to pass up.

Sucks because I loved Hastings. My visit was wonderful. I put in a housing deposit too.


Ehhh going to ride the decision out until last minute. STRESSED

Congrats on the big $$$ from CU! I am in at Hastings and waiting for my FA offer, but I still don't know whether I will get anything from CU. What are your #'s if you don't mind.

164 and 3.68. Scholly from Boulder was based on #s I think. Grant from Hastings was based on need. Are you from either state? REALLY want to go to Hastings but I'm not a natural risk taker so it's hard for me to justify paying that much. AHHH I don't know. I keep going back and forth. I'm terrible with decisions such as these. Rest of my day will be dedicated to making a pro/con chart and doing a complete financial breakdown. Glad I didn't have to work today!

I am actually from both states, but for 8 years in Los Angeles. In State would be hard to beat if I can't get some $$$ from Boulder. My LSAT killed me though, so I am not holding my breath! I would say go where you want to practice, because both are regional schools. I know Hastings rep is great throughout all of CA. Boulder is the same through CO. If my fiance was so dead set on living in CA for another decade or so, I would be pushing hard to go back and live in Boulder.