IRVINE : UCI Program Helps Students Seek Aid

In an effort to help students apply for money, UC Irvine has launched a Financial Aid Peer Adviser Program.

UCI officials said the thrust of the program is to have experienced students guide new students in applying for scholarships, grants, loans or work-study awards.

“Applying for financial aid can be a very confusing process,” said Pat Wilhoit, associate director of UCI’s Financial Aid Office. “We have trained 16 financial aid peer advisers who will assist students with their applications on a one-to-one basis.

“Most of the peer advisers are sophomores and juniors who have been through the experience themselves,” Wilhoit said. “Our peer advisers know firsthand the importance of following directions, completing forms and submitting them before the specified deadlines.”

All of the financial aid peers also are fluent in more than one language, Wilhoit said.

“We have peer advisers who are fluent in Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Korean,” Wilhoit said.

Students who are planning to enroll at UCI in September should start now to fill out paperwork and apply for financial aid, Wilhoit said. He added that the priority deadline for loans, work-study awards and most grants is March 2.

Additional information about UCI’s Financial Aid Peer Adviser Program is available by calling (714) 856-6261.