<p>@cptofthehouse hopefully my father printed out a copy of the CSS profile…I said it would be necessary but as we’ve previously clarified he does not like any ‘hassle.’ I don’t seem to be able to view my submitted profile online? I very much hope I will be able to convince him to sit down and take the time with me to work this all out. Then I suppose we will be more prepared to approach schools if necessary with negotiations. </p>
<p>As far as student contribution goes - a school couldn’t possibly expect a student to put in 10k a year? Where do they think all this time/high paying job will be coming from?</p>
<p>If your father works for himself at home, he is self employed. In many cases, schools add back in deductions allowed by your tax folks. Deductions like your house, phone, utilities, internet access, computer, etc, could EASILY be added back in as income because simply put, you would have these things anyway like everyone else. It is very possible that the “income” used to determine your aid was higher than you think it is.</p>
<p>And do have a little chat with your dad about “hassle”. This may be his way of saying that he really wants you closer to home for your undergraduate years.</p>
<p>It’s definitely not about that, he has been the one pushing for me to go back to the US this whole time (I really want to as well), but he is at least as excited about it. My parents are just the sort of people who believe everything will always just ‘turn out’, sometimes I found myself having to bring them down to Earth a little</p>
Most need based financial aid packages are built around the idea that you will take at least the maximum amount of federal direct subsidized loans – that’s roughly $19K over 4 years. Some schools will want to to take additional un-subsidized federal direct loans, or offer you Perkins loans on top of that. So, with very few exceptions, you are going to see those loans built into your financial aid package. Work-study expectations can range from about $1500 to around $6000. </p>
<p>Did you apply to Barnard? (I’ve seen you posting in a Barnard thread). Barnard was the most generous school with financial aid for my daughter, but they did expect the full complement of subsidized loans. So I think you are going to have to adjust your expectations about borrowing somewhat. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that subsidized loans do not have to be paid and do not incur interest while you are in school, and they will be in deferment while you are in grad school - so the loans shouldn’t stand in the way of grad school – although obviously they would add to the loan burden post-grad school. </p>
<p>@calmom thanks for that information. Those details about the loans are very important and make a big difference! I’m just worried about being swamped in debt, but if I’m getting an education that is going to facilitate (along with my very hard work of course) the career I want, the mind I want and an income that will make paying them back possible, then it’s all worth it. </p>
<p>I did apply to Barnard, and I’m quite sure that I would be starting as a Sophomore if I were admitted (fingers crossed oh so tightly),per their IB diploma policy. This would diminish cost and accumulation of loans (as college would be only three years). I’m very much hoping for an acceptance, but in the current climate can’t expect anything</p>
<p>@calmom very disappointingly received a rejection from Barnard today. This is also doesn’t give me much hope for Ivy Day schools (not just ivies now, also waiting on Duke and Emory) so it’s looking like Scripps may be my best option. We are in discussion with their financial aid office currently </p>
<p>Sorry that Barnard turned you down. It’s good that you are talking to the financial aid people. Don’t give up hope on the other schools entirely – it is not really a linear process at all. So there could be something in your app or an essay you wrote that appeals to an ad com at one school, but is overlooked by another. In any case, Scripps is an excellent college – good luck with getting a stronger award!</p>