<p>"you mean even those who have NO assets in their name and are completely dependent on their parents are also supposed to contribute some money separate from their parents and then MORE money through work-study on campus? That is the weirdest thing i've ever heard...they could have increased my work-study if that was the case...wat was the purpose of asking money from someone who has none?"</p>
<p>They expect you to MAKE some this summer.</p>
<p>I didn't make any money the summer before this year (volunteered all summer) so I got my work study eligibility increased - it was a cinch. Or you may decide in the autumn to get that money converted to loans (or, one time, you can have it converted to a grant, but only once). Stop whining and work (I work 16 hours a week and no, it isn't so bad).</p>
<p>You aren't entitled to their money, be thankful for their generosity and find a summer job.</p>
<p>would you guys say that Amherst has pretty good financial aid packages?
I would like to apply next year, but money is for sure a HUGE factor for me.</p>
<p>if you have need, Amherst is very, very generous. They have a need-based financial aid program and a need-blind admissions policy making it a great choice for excellent students with limited possibilities. Amherst makes it so that you aren't hindered by your disadvantages.</p>
<p>Amherst is on the Princeton Review list of students most happy with financial aid. For my part I can say they gave me more money than any other school, including safeties which had merit scholarships.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the gave me 1600 student contribution which is separate from my work-study contribution...I made it clear on ALL my forms that I don't work...these people are obviously illiterate. BAH now i'm not going to amherst!!! <<<<<<</p>
<p>I think it's great you turn down Amherst and leave your place and award for someone who is willing to work. Why shouldn't you?</p>
<p>Perhaps I am crazy - but if you could get loans instead of work for the 1600, you would leave Amherst with less loans than most kids out there. And I guess I don't understand this thing about "I don't work." Even if you have a disability, there are jobs out there for you. Is there a special reason why you think you shouldn't have to work when all other kids on some sort of FA work? Do you feel entitled to a free education when, (I believe) you are able-bodied?</p>
<p>ok so everybody just misunderstood and made me out to be a ungrateful, lazy bum who hasn't worked ONE day in his life nor wants too..perhaps I should have made my status more clear.</p>
<p>See, unlike you guys, I live in a foreign country. With the exchange rate at $1=60Rs., those are not 'just' $1600 for me. At the kind of jobs that I wud get at my level of education, even with the highest paid job that I could possibly garner, there is NO way I could make 1600 in just two months. I wud gladly rub stranger's shoes if I could get 1600...but this is just not POSSIBLE!!!!</p>
<p>It's more of a case of 'I want to, but can't' rather than a case of 'I can, but don't want to'...but thanks anyway</p>
<p>Yeah, i understand what you're saying. In the Netherlands, the MOST a 17-year old can make in six weeks is around 800 euro's= around 1000 dollars. So it still wouldn't cover the required 1600 dollars...</p>
<p>If you go to the financial aid office and tell them this, they will understand. At the beginning of school, go to the office and tell them that you did not make $1600 and ask for the remainder to be put into a loan, a grant (which you can do only once) or expanded work study. I volunteered all last summer full-time and didn't make a dime, so they increased my work study eligibility. This summer I will be volunteering again, so I will ask for a grant to be replaced. They give the $1600 contribution to everyone, but they are very understanding about special circumstances.</p>
<p>(Duygu - I LOVE the Netherlands. You are so lucky.)</p>
<p>See, unlike you guys, I live in a foreign country. With the exchange rate at $1=60Rs., those are not 'just' $1600 for me. At the kind of jobs that I wud get at my level of education, even with the highest paid job that I could possibly garner, there is NO way I could make 1600 in just two months. I wud gladly rub stranger's shoes if I could get 1600...but this is just not POSSIBLE!!!!</p>
<p>It's more of a case of 'I want to, but can't' rather than a case of 'I can, but don't want to'...but thanks anyway<<</p>
<p>My husband was an international student with no money, no parental money, no anything. He attended Amherst on a full scholarship--but worked during the school year and summers doing everything from actually selling Fuller brushes door-to-door to being a waiter and receptionist. I housecleaned and babysat all through college to pay for it. It's not fun--but it's real life.</p>
<p>(And my son is now sweeping floors at Amherst for pocket money. The legacy continues!)</p>
<p>Yeah, i understand what you're saying. In the Netherlands, the MOST a 17-year old can make in six weeks is around 800 euro's= around 1000 dollars. So it still wouldn't cover the required 1600 dollars...<<</p>
<p>Honestly, most kids here won't make that much money themselves. That's where loans come in.</p>
<p>So go to work for the 1000 dollars and get a grant or loan for the 600. That is so little to pay back. Also, Amherst has jobs during the summer that you could apply for. That would help a lot. We all have to do what we need to in order to get what we want. Talk to FA office, but explain that you are willing to do your part, as well, and could earn perhaps 800-1000 over the summer, but not more. They will work with you so long as you show them that you are willing to do your part, as well, rather than just saying that you don't work.</p>
<p>orasool, i'm sorry they gave oyu issues with financial aid. currently, i can't complain. i actually already chose amherst. they had to email me my aid..but it got there. finally. well, i have work study, and parental contribution only. the rest is a gigantous grant, and a $1000 worth of loans.
i.e. i have an almost free ride. except, of course, for the parent contribution. it was actually larger than my other top choice, but the other school i had was laden with loans, though a smaller required parental contribution.
needless to say, i am thrilled by the upcoming year.</p>