Low income student in CA: stick to UC/CSU system or branch out to out of state schools?

[Anonymous]

DC is a rising freshman and we are low income in CA. I just found out that dual enrollment is apparently possible starting in 9th grade (I thought one had to be a sophomore). He attended a session where they were pedaling dual enrollment as an alternative to AP classes.
I did some research and the issue is that while DE courses are great for those who plan on staying in the CA system, they are worthless out of state (while some schools may accept some APs).
DC is not a stellar student so far, B average. The cost is going to be a key consideration for us. This makes me think he is better of in CA. However he is bright and may come around and start actually working for better grades, and out of state schools might want him as a FGLI admit.
What would be your advice to us? Should we bank on DE or AP?

[Anonymous]

I'm in state CA as well. My DD's friend in 12th just got places at LMU and Occidental. Full ride. Pretty much a B student. He got these places off the waitlist but he's going to one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in state CA as well. My DD's friend in 12th just got places at LMU and Occidental. Full ride. Pretty much a B student. He got these places off the waitlist but he's going to one of them.

Not bad!
Are they covering room and board as well?

[Anonymous]

Tons of low income Californians are getting full rides or great scholarship packages. Maintain 4.0 and do a mix of honors, AP, and DE classes (during summer). You should target UCs and private colleges. I am stunned by all the smart lower income kids getting full rides!!

[Anonymous]

My low income cousin got into multiple UCs this round with scholarships whereas our much wealthier cousin who attends a fancy private school, got shut out of all except UC Merced. Both kids live in California. Low income cousin's main after school activity was working because her family needed the money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is a rising freshman and we are low income in CA. I just found out that dual enrollment is apparently possible starting in 9th grade (I thought one had to be a sophomore). He attended a session where they were pedaling dual enrollment as an alternative to AP classes.
I did some research and the issue is that while DE courses are great for those who plan on staying in the CA system, they are worthless out of state (while some schools may accept some APs).
DC is not a stellar student so far, B average. The cost is going to be a key consideration for us. This makes me think he is better of in CA. However he is bright and may come around and start actually working for better grades, and out of state schools might want him as a FGLI admit.
What would be your advice to us? Should we bank on DE or AP?

I would take advice of wise DCUM: no addiction or depression by 18. Then, I would encourage hard work over grades. I think if CA is anything like Maryland the athletes generally do AP over DE. So some strong activity (ideally for four years) and AP route. I would also encourage Community College that’s close to one of the UCs. Do your core at Santa Monica college - and degree from UCLA. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Plenty of out of state schools accept DE credits.

[Anonymous]

Both UC and CSU have good options. Silly to incur any extra debt by going OOS if one can study at a school in either of those as in-state.

[Anonymous]

Ca has the unique three level system: UCs, Cal states and the excellent community college ststem which feeds into the UCs and Cal States. No other state has it. There is no reason to look outside if CA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in state CA as well. My DD's friend in 12th just got places at LMU and Occidental. Full ride. Pretty much a B student. He got these places off the waitlist but he's going to one of them.

Not bad!
Are they covering room and board as well?

I hope so because Oxy is now low $90ks when all direct and indirect costs are added in. https://www.oxy.edu/admission-aid/costs-financial-aid

[Anonymous]

How is LMU for Business/MIS type major?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in state CA as well. My DD's friend in 12th just got places at LMU and Occidental. Full ride. Pretty much a B student. He got these places off the waitlist but he's going to one of them.

Not bad!
Are they covering room and board as well?

I hope so because Oxy is now low $90ks when all direct and indirect costs are added in. https://www.oxy.edu/admission-aid/costs-financial-aid

Yes, the parents are LOW income. The kid is set.

[Anonymous]

I know kids who have done dual enrollment in CA and essentially almost complete 1.5-2 years of college courses. These students did not do well with the UCs at all. The UCs put a lot of weight in APs. They did, however, end up at Cal States where tuition is cheaper and were able to graduate college in 3 years or under so the overall cost was less. If your child isn’t getting As in regular classes, I wouldn’t be pushing APs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My low income cousin got into multiple UCs this round with scholarships whereas our much wealthier cousin who attends a fancy private school, got shut out of all except UC Merced. Both kids live in California. Low income cousin's main after school activity was working because her family needed the money.

Your working cousin who did well in school is the type of student they’re looking for. They are looking to give these students an even playing field when graduating and starting a career.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC is a rising freshman and we are low income in CA. I just found out that dual enrollment is apparently possible starting in 9th grade (I thought one had to be a sophomore). He attended a session where they were pedaling dual enrollment as an alternative to AP classes.
I did some research and the issue is that while DE courses are great for those who plan on staying in the CA system, they are worthless out of state (while some schools may accept some APs).
DC is not a stellar student so far, B average. The cost is going to be a key consideration for us. This makes me think he is better of in CA. However he is bright and may come around and start actually working for better grades, and out of state schools might want him as a FGLI admit.
What would be your advice to us? Should we bank on DE or AP?

I would take advice of wise DCUM: no addiction or depression by 18. Then, I would encourage hard work over grades. I think if CA is anything like Maryland the athletes generally do AP over DE. So some strong activity (ideally for four years) and AP route. I would also encourage Community College that’s close to one of the UCs. Do your core at Santa Monica college - and degree from UCLA. Good luck!

He’s in middle school, it’s too early to map out his future. He might be in a position to start at UCLA with a full scholarship. If not then your idea is a good one.