<p>I received a substantial amount of financial aid to a couple of the schools I was accepted to, but my #1 choice did not give me as much assistance. I'm looking for more aid based on my family's need, not scholarship or merit, so my financial adviser said that I can appeal my aid and write a letter to the director of financial aid at the university explaining my situation. She suggested including the other packages I received as supporting documentation.</p>
<p>I'm curious if others have done this and how successful it is. I'm unsure how long of a letter to write and if I should incorporate any specific points.</p>
<p>Any help is appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<p>Does the college promise to meet 100% of your documented financial need? Unless it does, the chance of a successful appeal is unlikely. Some colleges routinely gap aid by as much as $20,000.</p>
<p>No they don’t promise to meet all financial need. My EFC according to FAFSA was less than $4,000 but a school that costs $50k is only giving me about $20k. It’s my top choice school so I am willing to fight for more assistance to go there, however I simply cannot afford to come out of college $100,000 in loans.</p>
<p>I wish you well, but you probably should fall in love with your next choice school that’s meeting your financial need.</p>
<p>It’s not likely that a college that doesn’t guarantee to meet need is going to radically increase its offer to you. What you have experienced is what such colleges do unless you’re one of their top picks.</p>
<p>The students I know who are in your situation have moved on to make a more generous school their first choice and their pick for college.</p>