There is a problem, however, and it is a financial one

My name is Sara Martinez and I am a 12th grader currently enrolled at Los Angeles Academy. First, I would like to say that I am much honored to have been admitted into this fine school, as University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is my number one choice.

There is a problem, however, and it is a financial one.

I’d love to attend UCLA--it’s near home, which would allow me to be closer to my family, and the Bio department is phenomenal. But, as a low-income Hispanic student, I simply don’t feel I can afford it. I’m writing to respectfully request an adjustment of my financial aid award.

Here are some more details of my financial situation. Currently, my father works as an assistant supervisor for American Apparel Co. and he is the only source of income for my family of five, while my mother is a housewife. The income my father receives weekly barely meets paying the bills.

My family’s overall income:
Father’s average weekly gross pay: $493.30
Father’s adjusted gross income: $27,022

Our household expenses:
Rent: $850
Legal Services: $200
Car payment: $230.32

My parents cannot afford to have medical insurance, so they do not have a medical bill. My father’s average monthly income is an estimate of $1,973.20 (see attached pay stub). When household expenses such as rent, car payment, legal services, gas bill, and electricity bill are added together the cost is of $1,402.70. Other payments such as the phone bill, internet bill, and groceries also add to the list. But in order to make ends meet my father usually works overtime and tailors clothes for people in our neighborhood.

My family is on an extremely tight budget and unfortunately cannot afford to pay for my schooling. I have worked my way up and was recently awarded Valedictorian for the class of 2014. My goals and my aspiration of becoming a nutritionist have helped me push forward. I appreciate your time in reconsidering my financial aid award. I’m looking forward to becoming a Bruin.

Regards,

Sara Martinez

My name is Jakhongir Abdullayev and I am the 3^rd year medical student of Andijan Medical School in Uzbekistan. First, I would like to say that I am delighted to have the opportunity to explore and pursue my dream at the Drake University.

There is a problem, however, and it is a financial one.

I’d love to attend UCLA--it helps me in developing skills, achieve a good MCAT score, and fulfill my graduate degree program requirements. Such experience will help me also explore options for my graduate program at the Drake University. But, as a low-income Uzbek student, I simply don’t feel I can afford it. I’m writing to respectfully request an adjustment of my financial aid award.

Here are some more details of my financial situation. Currently, my mother works as a Math teacher for Local School No20, and she is the only source of income for my family of four, while my father lives in Poland. The income my mother receives monthly barely meets paying the bills.

My family’s overall income:
Mother’s average monthly gross pay: $ 331.543

Income tax: $39.78
communal taxes: $23.8777

Yearly expenses:

My study’s tution fees:$ 1,369.44

My sisters’s university tution fees: $1,041.64
In Uzbekistan medical insurance is free for all people, so we do not have medical bill. My mather’s average yearly income is an estimate of $3300. When household expenses such as tution fees, legal services, gas bill, and electricity bill are added together the cost is of $2697.604. Other payments such as the phone bill, internet bill, and groceries also add to the list.

My family is on an extremely tight budget and unfortunately cannot afford to pay for my schooling. I have worked my way up and was recently awarded Valedictorian for the class of 2014. My goals and my aspiration of becoming a nutritionist have helped me push forward. I appreciate your time in reconsidering my financial aid award. I’m looking forward to becoming a Bruin.

Regards,

Sara Martinez