<p>Hi Snowdaymom - </p>
<p>First, I apologize for the experience you’ve had. And yes, the calculator has been broken for quite some time. We have nothing to do with it unfortunately. FinAid is a completely separate shop from us. I am told it will be up by the end of the summer in compliance with new federal law. </p>
<p>Definitely ask for an appeal. I know a number of students who were able to have their packages refined after new material came to light. </p>
<p>The other thing I would say is - [IBRinfo</a> :: Help is here!](<a href=“http://ibrinfo.org%5DIBRinfo”>http://ibrinfo.org) is a lifesaver. If MIT is really her home and best match, federal direct loans + IBR are the way to go. Please note that I would say this regardless of where she wants to go. As someone who is still paying off student loans, it is definitely worth it if you can find a place you’d love to be.</p>