Columbia University Finaid Mistake

Paying for College
1

<p>So I got an email from Columbia that was later deemed as a mistake:</p>

<p>Dear XXX:</p>

<p>We are writing to update you on your financial aid award. We are pleased to present the following financial aid award for your enrollment in 2011-2012.</p>

<p>Please note that your financial aid award has been adjusted for the following reason(s):</p>

<p>Below you will find the expected amount of expenses for the 2011-12 academic year as well as the resources we expect you to use to meet these expenses.</p>

<p>XXXFINAID AWARD INFOXXX</p>

<p>To meet your need, Columbia University offers you the following assistance:</p>

<pre><code> No award information available at this time
</code></pre>

<p>The above financial aid award is tentative pending receipt of the following items:
Parent W2 Forms (Not Received)
Parent Federal Tax Return (Not Received)</p>

<hr>

<p>I am an applicant for freshman admission, but they treated me like a returning student. However, the interesting thing is that the "mistake" finaid that they "awarded" me is exactly what shows up on my FAFSA. Is this a good sign? Or does it mean nothing? And if it means nothing, could someone please explain why they would take the time to calculate all applicant's financial aid packages (even if they weren't being admitted)?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>PS. I understand that they are telling me to turn in stuff--I did that recently, but they just haven't gotten it yet.</p>

2

<p>You posted about this “mistake” several days ago. Have you not had a chance to contact Columbia’s financial aid office to inquire about the meaning (or lack thereof) of the communication you received?</p>

3

<p>I have, but they never replied. I think it’s either:
a) they’re too busy
or
b) don’t want to answer my question directly.
That’s why I’m asking on here, but it seems as if no one knows.</p>

4

<p>How did you contact them? Did you ask to speak to the FA supervisor?</p>

5

<p>I just replied to the email that they sent me–do you think calling would be better? I don’t want to seem so desperate :)</p>

6

<p>Are you asking us if this means you are being admitted because they sent out this letter?
The financial aid office has to prepare financial aid packages for everyone because they don’t know who will be admitted. If they waited until the decisions were made, they wouldn’t have time to do their jobs. It sounds like they erroneously sent out these packages before admission decisions were ready.
So, sorry, I don’t think we can tell you if it means good news or not. Good luck to you.</p>

7

<p>Jbourne-</p>

<p>Thanks for the info! Do you know how they calculate the packages so fast?</p>

8

<p>It’s all computerized.</p>