<p>Okay. When I opened my fin aid package today, I wanted to cry. Fafsa EFC: 21000. Harvard EFC: 41000. My dad makes about 150000 a year, but 2 kids in college next year and a little kid too. His company declard bankruptcy a few years ago. He received a lump sum at the time, which he's invested in houses, but in return will not receive any pension whatsoever. I could NEVER afford to pay 41000 a year or dip into my parents retirement. What happened to 10%?? Should we call the fin aid office or go talk to them since its not too much of a hassle for us (would either even do any good?)</p>
<p>I was SO thrilled about harvard till this morning, now I'm just depressed :/</p>
<p>Very similar situation. It’s terrible - we’re going to finaid office to discuss.</p>
<p>It appears, from what you say, that your family has such a large amount of assets that they dominated among the factors that determined your financial aid package. If it’s not at all feasible to use your assets to pay for college costs, give a call to the financial aid office and explain them your situation. </p>
<p>If your reasons are legitimate, I’m sure the financial aid office will do everything to make it possible for you to attend. They are very understanding, do not have any limits on the amount of financial aid they can grant, and as it is obvious from this year’s admissions rate, want you to have at Harvard very much. I know of cases in which significant adjustments in the amount of financial aid have been made after additional explanations were given.
Good luck! I hope you will be able to attend!</p>
<p>Certain things that make your situation different from the average family and might not have worked in your favor are, one, your family owns a business, and two, your father has invested in houses. I think it was something like, the first house you own is not considered but beyond that, the properties will be considered assets in the FA calculation (?). I would definitely call the financial aid office to ask someone to explain how they came up with this EFC. You have nothing to lose by calling.</p>
<p>Hope it’ll work out :(.</p>