<p>As I look at the financial aid checklist, I notice that the documents that were processed comparatively late (as in mid-march) are the only ones that are required for “disbursement”. The rest were recieved Feb or before and are required for “packaging”. Clearly, disbursement comes before packaging in the financial aid process. (Common sense tells me disbursement is expending from financial aid funds available, while packaging sounds like finalizing and putting everything together)</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I have a strong feeling that much of this has nothing to do with admissions decision however, based on experience from other colleges and the general knowledge that admissions/financial aid offices are separate.
(For example, I was recently rejected from MIT, but I had emailed the fi-aid office a few days prior to knowing this decision about waiving some of my information. I recieved a prompt reply with instructions about completing a waiver and procedure, etc. You’d think they’d just not reply to my email, had they known that my decision of rejection would come by in 3-4 days anyway)</p>
<p>So I seriously doubt “disimbursement” or the lack of means you are rejected! Don’t worry!!</p>
<p>Everyone says that it’s better to prepare themselves for the disappointment…
But no matter how I pick myself apart, I still believe in the power of positive thinking!</p>
<p>me too @siemprell, I keep telling myself I’m not gonna get in, so I’m not disappointed if I am rejected, but I hate myself every time that I do, because I really wanna just think that I got in.</p>
<p>So nervous for my S, as it does not appear in his f.aid tracking section. Only mentions packaging under required for and received under status, ever since the first day the tracking started. Of course all the documents were sent before the due date. As it had been confirmed by someone from the Financial Aid department to a poster before that it is for some upcoming items that are not yet required and also for admitted students, and it shows only in handful of applicants in this board, it has to mean something. The word disbursement is commonly used in financial documents. Hope someone admitted in an earlier year clarifies this.</p>
<p>@moomaster1228 Same here - I know that its ludicrous to even think about acceptance, but I keep having these happy visions in my head of what I want to happen, and the anticipation is wearing my nerves down to nothing! </p>
<p>@satman111 Same, I haven’t started my RD stuff either… I feel like I have to know the ED stuff first (also I’m lazy and on the tiny chance that I’m accepted, I don’t want to deal with the Common App AGAIN)</p>
<p>My nerves are probably going to give in sometime before next Thursday… AH</p>
<p>I really don’t think you should take it as a sign of rejection. (It may just be that I’m comforting myself, but hey)
As the experience I’ve had with Columbia’s application status check website, they are incredibly slow on updates (or just don’t update at all). My ED agreement form was sent in by mail, and to this date it still says not received. But when I called them, they said that they received it a while back.
Now. Assuming that their “need-blind” policy is not a lie, it would take lots of time for the financial aid office to process all the students (accepted, deferred, and rejected). The small portion that had “disbursement” may just be students who sent in the forms late, so they have not reached the stage of “packaging.”
If you are really worried, give Columbia a call and ask about the difference between the two. And ask if the lack of “disbursement” means anything. If they say no, I’d take their word for it.</p>
<p>Hi guys.
I applied early decision as well. It’s an understatement to say that I am freaking out. I have some great back ups, and I feel like my chances of getting in are good, but we all know that nothing is set in stone. Looking at the Class of 2017’s ED results thread really lowered my confidence levels last winter…
Regardless, I think we should all be really proud of ourselves for surviving the application process. The Common App, supplements, and CSS profile were GRUELING. In my honest opinion, even if we’re rejected, Columbia should at least send us a ribbon or something for getting every document in on time.
On that note, I can’t wait for next Thursday, and I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s results!!! Best of luck guys and girls!</p>
<p>@Renu2020
No problem! Have faith in your S! </p>
<p>@mmallow
SEAS applicant here as well. Totally losing confidence seeing all the people with all those awards and everything… But I’m not losing faith. I believe that all the hard work will pay off.</p>
<p>8 days left… im getting a heart attack.
i feel so strongly that i’d be rejected, but thinking back, this whole application process has already taught me so much, such as time management, reflecting upon myself and my interest, and most important of all - stepping out of my comfort zone. i have never thought i would have the courage to apply to such a great school so far from my home and which everybody tells me i wouldnt get in. Yet i did it, and i feel sorta proud of myself haha</p>