I would just remember full financial aid means loans for your DS at most schools.

Why are people suggesting not to go out of state? I don't know California at all, but there are plenty of schools that would give full financial aid if he can be admitted. And a paren't guess at HS GPA for a current 8th grader are nonsense. Make sure he hits the books and get his GPA up!

Assuming your income is about the same 4 years from now, you should receive close to full financial aid almost everywhere. Every university has a calculator on their webpage-- it takes about 5 minutes to fill in details of your financial situation, and the calculator will show an estimate of the aid.

On APs, universities want the most rigorous courseload possible. Ignore the specific weighting of your school. Every school does this differently, so the university you are applying to will impose their own standards. The APs that will look most impressive are in core subjects (e.g., AP Bio instead of AP environmental science).

Anything can be an extra curricular. If the kid works a significant amount year round, that might become their #1 extra curricular. It would be nice if that job can 'turn into' something by senior year. For instance, becoming assistant manager, or switching to a job in the kid's field of interest or whatnot. And if it becomes a big part of the application, then s/he'll probably want to highlight what they learned in one of their essays.

OP, forgive me if I missed it, but aren't you Pell eligible?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't be afraid to apply to private schools. A school like Occidental will likely be cheaper due to financial aid (not merit) for a household income of $25K than even community college.

Community college is $0
Occidental may give full rides (not sure), but they’d be top students only.

For kids of this profile, the best options will always be UCs, CSU & CC.

+1. California has the blessings of the great UC system, the Cal State system and the community college system. No other state has it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a free lunch kid. Your child should qualify for full financial aid at any decent private college. The MC/UMC are the ones who get squeezed with tuition. Your child should be able to get need based aid.

I didn’t mention it in the OP but we may be limited to FAFSA only schools. His dad earns a decent salary, he just doesn’t pay beyond minimal child support and isn’t in the picture much

FAFSA only schools = either public or lower tier private. Neither of those will meet full need, so a full (or close to full) ride is not possible.

People here are telling me that a UC or CS would meet need if he gets in. I am now confused.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again: the CC route is on my radar and DS will take it if absolutely necessary but it’s not an ideal situation for a number of reasons.

Look, my honest feedback is that CA is has tons of really hardworking, smart kids who are low-income. If your son wants acceptance into a good CA public college, he will have to step up his game. In his high school years, he’ll need to study often, take rigorous classes, have outside interests.

If he doesn’t do these things, California will still pay for much of his education! It just may not be at the college he dreams of. He can go to community college tuition free or a less-competitive Cal State tuition free. You’ll need to be flexible and see what happens over the next year or two. Make sure his reading skills are top notch and make sure he’s fluent in algebra. 8th grade is when kids fall behind and others push ahead.

His reading skills are actually great (one thing that’s great)
As I said CC is ok just not preferred. Would prefer a “less competitive CalState” if given the option.

Anonymous wrote:Don't be afraid to apply to private schools. A school like Occidental will likely be cheaper due to financial aid (not merit) for a household income of $25K than even community college.

Community college is $0
Occidental may give full rides (not sure), but they’d be top students only.

For kids of this profile, the best options will always be UCs, CSU & CC.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a free lunch kid. Your child should qualify for full financial aid at any decent private college. The MC/UMC are the ones who get squeezed with tuition. Your child should be able to get need based aid.

I didn’t mention it in the OP but we may be limited to FAFSA only schools. His dad earns a decent salary, he just doesn’t pay beyond minimal child support and isn’t in the picture much

FAFSA only schools = either public or lower tier private. Neither of those will meet full need, so a full (or close to full) ride is not possible.

Anonymous wrote:Apply for UC and Cal State schools. On $25K a year you should get full financial aid.

Consider UC Riverside or other UCs where your kid's stats match. Likewise with Cal State schools. Each Cal State campus gives preference to students from nearby high schools. UC and Cal State should provide full FA for OP's income.

Don't be afraid to apply to private schools. A school like Occidental will likely be cheaper due to financial aid (not merit) for a household income of $25K than even community college.

Anonymous wrote:OP here again: the CC route is on my radar and DS will take it if absolutely necessary but it’s not an ideal situation for a number of reasons.

Look, my honest feedback is that CA is has tons of really hardworking, smart kids who are low-income. If your son wants acceptance into a good CA public college, he will have to step up his game. In his high school years, he’ll need to study often, take rigorous classes, have outside interests.

If he doesn’t do these things, California will still pay for much of his education! It just may not be at the college he dreams of. He can go to community college tuition free or a less-competitive Cal State tuition free. You’ll need to be flexible and see what happens over the next year or two. Make sure his reading skills are top notch and make sure he’s fluent in algebra. 8th grade is when kids fall behind and others push ahead.

OP here again: the CC route is on my radar and DS will take it if absolutely necessary but it’s not an ideal situation for a number of reasons.

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question, how are you surviving and even considering having any money to spend on college if your income is $25k per year?

My housing is relatively inexpensive for CA and we live frugally otherwise.
Food stamps do help.
I am lucky to have family who will help out with interest free loans of 10-20k if need be (if we need to for emergencies or college).
I am expecting to come into a small inheritance to the tune of $10k or so at some point too
So I feel like we can afford college even if the dad refuses to pitch in (he now says he won’t pay and that the kid should take out loans but he might come around somewhat)

Anonymous wrote:I would talk to a nonprofit college counseling service or if you can afford it, a private counselor to help craft his story in a way that is appealing to colleges and will not only get him in, but help get him maximum financial aid. Your situation sounds like it hasn’t been easy - single parent, immigrant, low income - and he’s doing great despite these challenges. And you are too! In the meantime, a part time job would be a good idea and focus on studies and art.

Thank you! Yes that’s what I’ve been thinking.