Hi, I have already appealed my financial aid at my dream school, and while the appeal went through, the amount of the additional aid was small and not enough for me to afford going to that school.
Because may 1st was quickly coming up at that time I had to commit to a state school that I do not want to go to but can afford. However, my dream school extended its commitment deadline to June 1 (they only just notified me about this decision).
Should I try to appeal again? (I’d of course de-commit to my state school if I end up being abale to afford my dream school, and I’m okay with losing that deposit) Or should I not even bother?
Has anything significant changed since you filed your last appeal? For example has a parent lost their job?
It might help us comment more accurately if you name the two schools.
Hi, can you speak with someone in FA to find out WHY your appeal was denied? You need specifics as each university evaluates FA differently.
the appeal was not denied.
Op got an appeal for additional money. He wants even more money because the amount they gave him/her still leaves the school being unaffordable.
If Op has no additional information after appeal was granted, unfortunately, it will be time to move on.
So I think it’s great that you, the student is attempting to appeal. But don’t. It’s a big mistake if your parents are able to do it. You might not know some questions to answers that are more important then you think.
So yes, definitely appeal but be realistic. How much more do you need? Usually schools will throw out a few extra thousand to make most happy. If that is not enough you might be being unrealistic.
Also you don’t care where the money comes from. If you hear something like “we have exhausted all we can do” then ask about a housing credit. This has been beneficial for many students. If your looking for like an extra $10,000. That is most likely not happening.
Also if this is a Lac and your getting more aid elsewhere they might match then go above and beyond. This happened to my daughter. Then we asked for the housing credit and they said yes.
No, nothing significant has happened since the last time I applied. I just come from a very low single-parent household (which is already struggling to pay my older sister’s college tuition). I just thought it was worth a shot since I have nothing to lose. The schools are Penn state university (not UPenn) and Fordham university.
@DadTwoGirls No, nothing significant has happened since the last time I applied. I just come from a very low single-parent household (which is already struggling to pay my older sister’s college tuition). I just thought it was worth a shot since I have nothing to lose. The schools are Penn state university (not UPenn) and Fordham university.
@Knowsstuff sorry, could you please explain what a “lac” is and what housing credit is? If I go to Penn state I’d be paying roughly $10,000-11000 a year including room and board. As of right now, if I go to Fordham University, is be paying roughly $20,000 a year (w/o housing. I’d be commuting and staying with a relative)
Ask for a discount on room /board=housing credit.
Lac is Liberal Arts College
@Knowsstuff thank you for the clarification! Also I would not be staying in a dorm at Fordham, so I don’t think asking for housing credit would help me. Do you still think it’s worth a shot to try again?
Not trying = 0% chance of success.
Trying = > 0% chance of success.
You can ask. Sure.
But there are tens of thousands of college students who have significantly changed incomes for the upcoming year.
Fordham is expensive, doesn’t meet full need for all. And it’s double the cost of Penn State for you.
But as noted…if you don’t ask, your chances are zero. Just don’t get your hopes up too high…because they already reviewed your aid once…and nothing on your side has changed.
Always ask but their not giving you an extra $10,000. Go to Penn State. Move away from home. Have fun and study hard is my suggestion.
“A state school”.!! Penn State is one of the top “state schools” in the country. You have a great choice there that would give you at least the same education as Fordham if not better.
You have a great affordable choice, time to give up the dream and embrace Penn State.
If you can commute to Fordham, is it safe to say that you live in NYC.?
Penn State is a public university where their first priority is to provide an affordable option for Pennsylvania taxpayers (which your mom is not a resident of the state). No more money will be coming
Unless you got in to Fordham through HEOP (for low income NYS residents), I would not expect any additional monies. Even then. HEOP does not cover housing for students who live in the 5 boroughs.
You have to think about paying for college over the course of 4 years.
What will happen when your older sister graduates and your EFC goes up? How will you make up the difference?
Neither school meets 100% demonstrated need. It sounds like neither of these schools will be affordable.
What are your affordable options?
Judging by the price of Penn State I would guess the OP is from PA.
OP, I hope you have some more affordable in-state options.
Penn State at $10,000 a year wins…assuming that is affordable.
In addition to the costs at Fordham ($20,000), everything else in NYC is very costly.
Why is Fordham so much better a choice for you at double the cost? And where will you be living where you have zero costs?