Can a student just call up the Financial Aid office and get a good result?

Paying for College
1

<p>My son and I attended a tour at SJSU and SF state last week. He has been accepted at both schools and we are looking at having to cover 100% of the cost. The only 'Award Package' was the standard student and plus loans which we will say no thanks to that and look to borrow about half of the cost from our home equity line to pay.</p>

<p>While we were on the tour of SF state, my son said he to call the financial aid office when we got home and see if they would give him a partial scholarship if he asked. I said that I doubt that would ever happen. But he said with his act of 31 he thought it was worth the time. It is good thinking on his part and he will call in a few days. </p>

<p>My question is does this really happen? He is leaning towards SF state, but we would have to pay dorm and meal plan over if he want to CP Pomona. So any help from the school would seal the deal. Is there any better way to approach the Fin Aid office that could make this happen?</p>

<p>Thanks for any comments or advise.</p>

2

<p>Have him call ASAP. The worst that could happen is they say NO.</p>

<p>I’m assuming you are instate for CA, and did not qualify for the Calgrant?</p>

3

<p>Don’t you have to submit a formal appeal of the financial aid award to really be considered? </p>

4

<p>He’s trying to get merit aid, not need-based aid, so no appeal is needed.</p>

5

<p>How much leeway admissions has at any given school, is up in the air. But absolutely he should call and say he really, really wants to go there but the cost differential between it and Cal Poly is causing the pause and if there is anything they can do to help out a bit there. These are state schools, so they may not have the give that some privates do. My one son did get a merit award increased by calling Admissions and asking that way.</p>

6

<p>we are instate CA, and this would be merit aid. I will have him call the school and see what happens. It’s worth a try for sure.</p>