Asking college to reevaluate financial aid?

<p>My state flagship, which also happens to be my first choice school, released their financial aid packages last week. I was very disappointed by mine - I didn't get anything, other than an "award" of a $7000 unsubsidized loan. Anyway, I have heard that students have called up to certain colleges and after explaining their situation, can get more money. My father has a very tentative job position right now, although he is currently employed so technically he has a job, even if he can lose it at any moment. Also, my parents pay for four other children in private school below me, and this school says that is condition to reevaluate the award. </p>

<p>What I am trying to ask is this: What is the best way to ask them to reevaluate. Do I tell them about my concerns for my father's job, as well as the private school tuitions? Should I call them up or write a letter? What are some tips for talking to them? I know you're not supposed to try and negotiate or list an award, but I am definitely going to voice my financial concerns.</p>

<p>You can ask to be reconsidered. Yes, mention the private school tuition, but they may not care (most public schools do not consider non-college tuition). As for your father’s job, almost everyone in the US works ‘at will’ and can be fired or laid off at any time. That’s just how it is. If he hasn’t received a notice, he’s employed. You can mention it, but it may not matter.</p>

<p>I’d focus on the positives - why you want to go there, what you’ve done to earn money for tuition, how much you can afford and how much you need… Public schools are tough as many don’t have that much aid to give out.</p>

<p>I used to work at a public U, and the aid package was what it was. You can always ask, of course. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Just don’t ask multiple times after you are told no … that always blew my mind!)</p>

<p>Are you a freshman? How did you get $7000 in subsidized loans? We’re some Direct and some Perkins?</p>

<p>With regard to private school tuition for siblings younger than you…the school will likely view this as a family choice. After all, there is a free public school they could be attending.</p>

<p>Is this Rutgers? Do they really say that they consider private K-12 tuition? or did your OTHER schools say that (like BC, which likely would).</p>

<br>

<br>

<p>I have recently set my sights on Rutgers, as I am from NJ and would only be paying 25,000 for everything. They haven’t given me aid yet because they said most packages aren’t released until March, but I would only be paying a max of 10,000 without any aid, a considerable difference. Its just that whenever I mention Rutgers to any of my peers, they give me strange looks, as if I should be going somewhere better. One person even remarked that debt is worth a better school. How good is Rutgers as a school? </p>

<p>*****I would either be going for computer science, or biology as I am looking into med school as a psychiatrist after.
<<<<<<<<</p>

<p>Oh good heavens. Who are these idiots that think you’re too good for Rutgers. </p>

<p>And certainly Rutgers is more than good enough for Pre-Med!!!</p>

<p>Can you make Rutgers work with your parents’ $15k contribution? </p>

<p>What loan did you get??? It should be for $5500, not $7000, unless Rutgers/NJ gives out loans???</p>

<p>It’s too bad you didn’t ask earlier because there are schools that would have given you large merit and would have been FINE for premed.</p>

<br>

<br>

<p>What idiot said that? Ask him/her if they’ll pay the debt. No, debt would not be worth it. And you still have med school to pay for!! Are you listening to a bunch of 18 year olds???</p>

<p>^Yeah, 5500 my bad. </p>