Big dilemma. Help please!

Here is my story in a nutshell: I graduated community college with an AST in computer science, but thanks to the registrar, I did so paying in-state tuition when I do not qualify for it.

Now some background...

I graduated from HS in the US but only attended for 1.5 years. That takes away any hope for AB540.

When I applied to my community college, I did not lie and checked NO in the 3 years HS box. I was admitted and registered for only one class as I knew the price would be high. When my total came back, however, it was not high; it was in-state.

I went right back to the registrar to fix the mistake. She asked me if I had filed another application. I did not. She stared at the paper for a few seconds and said: "Go ahead and pay for this." That was the last time I spoke to her.

I now hold an AST degree and am ready to transfer to a university.

My dilemma...
I am staring at my CSU application in fear. I have to check the fee box for my community college and do not know what to do.

Do registrars have the power to make exceptions or was this just a big mistake on both our parts?

I am fully aware that I do not qualify for AB540, but so was she. I do not know how to approach this problem. I want to speak to the registrar at the college but I need some advice first because there is a new person in that position.

What does the fee box ask exactly on the CSU application?

Is it just asking if you qualify for instate?

It is asking me to list the colleges I attended, and what type of fee I paid. Resident of nonresident. Here is the quote: "if you paid fees as a resident of nonresident while attending that college"

Well you would have to tell the truth. You paid as a resident.

That is what I was thinking, but do any of you know if registrars have the power to make exceptions to those who do not qualify for in-state?

Well, when it comes to the university making a decision whether or not you qualify. The registrar often makes that determination. When I applied for instate at my school, I gave all the documents that they asked for (I've been previously denied with other universities because of my immigration status) and the registrar gave me instate tuition no questions asked. So even universities in different parts of the state can have different requirements as to establishing residency. (I live in VA)

My question for OP is whether CSU is asking you to fill out a new application for instate or just asking if you had it with your community college?

It is only asking me if I had it for my community college. So far, I have not come across a new application for in-state.

I won't lie. I will select resident because that is what I paid, but I am worried that the registrar made a mistake and looked the other way when she didn't have the power to make an exception and then I'll get in trouble or something.

I think you'll be ok.

If you need to reapply for instate this time around just be sure to make it clear you don't qualify.