<p>Hi, has anyone been successful at appealing his/her financial aid package? I recently graduated from a private university, which may have affected my brother's package. He's transferring as a sophomore in the spring, and we essentially received no aid. We just found out a week ago, which leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Our EFC through CSS is different from USC's EFC by a significant amount. We're planning on appealing (I am in disbelief that we have to pay $60k a year), and if you can offer some advice or tips, I would greatly appreciate your help.</p>
<p>Many have appealed. Some have received significant adjustments, some minor adjustments and some no adjustment.</p>
<p>Yes, when there are two undergraduates attending at the same time the expected contribution is spread (it isn’t “half,” but it is generally significantly less) between the two students, so you graduating could have a significant affect on your sibling’s aid.</p>
<p>
The CSS does not generate an EFC. Each school that uses the CSS/Profile uses their own formula, so there is no way to determine one “CSS EFC” that could be applied to all schools that use the CSS/Profile.</p>
<p>What can you do?</p>
<p>Step one is to call up USC financial aid and ask what factors contributed to the difference in the FAFSA EFC* and the amount USC expects. Items typically mentioned include home equity, assets protected by the simplified needs test, income of non-custodial parent and small business assets or income.</p>
<p>Step two is to determine if there was an error (one applicant added a zero to an asset amount). If there was an error, correct it.</p>
<p>Step three is, if it was not an error, directly address any items from step one that cannot be used for college expenses. Do not write a long letter about how much you love USC - what counts in financial aid is dollars and cents. If you have expenses they have not considered, list them. If you have unreimbursed medical expenses, list them. If you listed too high an amount for your home value, find some comps that sold in your zip code for significantly less and send that information in.</p>
<p>Step four - try to find an affordable backup plan in case the money does not work out at USC.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>*Remember that the FAFSA EFC at USC is used ONLY to distribute federal aid such as Pell Grants and Stafford or Perkins loans. It is NOT considered when distributing USC Grants - the CSS/Profile is used to distribute USC Grants.</p>
<p>Thank you, alamemom, for your help! I think we’ll do this either today or tomorrow (depending on my dad’s schedule).</p>