<p>I got a scholarship from a college that covers a portion of tuition, but in order for me to be able to go there I would need a good deal more. I am ineligible for finaid, so can I write to the college and ask for more money? Has anyone done something like this?</p>
<p>Seriously doubt it...especially in this economy. But it wouldn't hurt to try. Tell them that is your dream school. Also, you can always take out the unsubsidized federal loan. It is not based on need.</p>
<p>Apply for private scholarships too.</p>
<p>If I tell them that it is my dream school, should I add other stuff as well? Should I explain why I can't afford it or something like that?</p>
<p>Yes, maybe your stats, what you've done in school, what you want to do after graduating, why you can't afford it. Make sure to spell out the clubs, activities, and the major you want to join in at the college. Elaborate on the one thing that makes the school so attractive/special to you.</p>
<p>Please update the thread if you do get more money. Good luck!</p>
<p>Look on the College Board site for other sources of scholarships.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! I'll write up a letter template and send it, and then post the results.</p>
<p>Anyone have experience with this type of thing?</p>
<p>Are you appealing your EFC? There have been other threads on this topic.
However remember that even if the school meets 100% of need- ( I know what a broken record feels like ;) ), need can be met with any combination of work study, loans and grants.
How large of a grant depends on how much money the school has & how badly they want you.</p>
<p>Nope, not appealing my EFC. I read in a scholarship book that you can appeal the scholarship (for merit) from the college, and if they really want you they will give you what you say. Is this true?</p>
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<blockquote> <p>if they really want you they will give you what you say. >></p> </blockquote>
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<p>Hmmm..I doubt that THIS is true. The school may increase your scholarship award, but the notion they will "give you what you say" is unlikely. DS had several schools increase their scholarship awards to him when he applied as a freshman (he didn't ask...they just increased his scholarships as the May 1 deadline approached).</p>
<p>Ahh, so if I act hard to get they try harder?</p>
<p>Acting "hard to get" will get you nowhere. The school will just figure that you don't want to come. If your comment was directed at my post, you should know that the two schools that increased DS's merit aid award did so on the basis of a musical audition. In both cases, the faculty on his instrument were in communication with him from the time of the audition until...well...he actually keeps in touch with one of them still (even though he didn't choose that school). In fact, my DS did not play hard to get at all. He continued a healthy but honest ("I haven't made up my mind where I will be going yet.") dialogue.</p>
<p>Back to your question...you can and should discuss your scholarship award with the school. As others have pointed out, you should express your strong desire to attend this school and point out the real financial reasons why you might not be able to come.</p>
<p>You say you are "ineligible for financial aid". Is that because your EFC is high enough that you don't have any demonstrated financial need? If your EFC plus that merit aid they gave you already approaches your cost of attendance, you may be out of luck. Many schools also look at your financial need as well when determining merit awards. If your family has the resources to make up the difference, I doubt the scholarship folks will have a lot to offer you.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you truly have limited financial resources and are prepared to document THAT also..."This school is my number one choice for these reasons (and then give them). However, my family financial situation is one that I need to consider. Is there any way you can help me?"</p>
<p>From the sound of your OP, it sounds like your family EFC is high. Is that the case?</p>
<p>Yes, pretty high efc. My parents want me to establish myself through hard work, and while I agree with them, I need merit. Since I won't qualify for need based, I am hoping to get more merit. And Thumper, I misunderstood your comment.</p>
<p>I successfully appealed a scholarship award for my D a couple years ago. However, the appeal was based on the fact that we could not afford to send her there (college A) without the increased award. I was able to provide info about how much competitor college B would cost us, and stated that she would prefer to attend college A. They responded with an increase in the form of a grant. So ... while it "worked" for us, the reason it did was based on finances.</p>
<p>Update: I got an extra 12k.</p>
<p>^Nice! Hard work pays off…</p>
<p>I always say it never hurts to try … just don’t be surprised if they say no. However, this case shows why you shouldn’t be afraid of the possible no … because they could say yes!</p>
<p>@az1698 I know this is a late reply to your discussion, but I am a high school senior going through the same predicament as you were. Is there any way you can help me out with how I should format my letter? I am completely lost when it comes to this (as are my parents) and I would really love to get some advice from someone who was successful pertaining appealing scholarships. Thank you so so much!</p>