<p>First off, id like to say this is my first post. Normally, i should ask one of USF's representatives my questions but calling the via phone sucks - i could never get someone to help. anyways, i have applied several times to USF but i never end up accepting due to financial reasons. </p>
<p>but luckily. this is my LAST semester at a state college. i will have 64 credits after this fall 2011 semester. </p>
<p>my major concern about USF is regarding financial aid. </p>
<p>recently, i applied to USF during spring 2011 for FALL 2011 term as a LOWER level transfer. i did not go because i missed the fafsa deadline (march 1st priority) and my parents preferred i get my AA first. so i updated my application to spring 2012 and i got in. </p>
<p>however, my question is- since i changed the term will i have a chance to getting any more financial aid? ok this seems a little irrelevant but i cant seem to wonder how some people managed to get FULL ride through FAFSA when their parents own a successful business. my dad was laid off in nov 2010. </p>
<p>anyway, i finally logged on after months and see that USF is asking for my parents and i 2010 w2 papers since june 2011. if i fill out those unsatisfied requirements, will i have a better chance of getting more financial aid? </p>
<p>also i see that the priority is oct first for sping students- what do i need to do? fill out FAFSA? </p>
<p>also, do i need to change my application status from lower level to an AA transfer? because i applied as a lower division transfer.</p>
<p>Ok, you’ve got a lot of questions, but I’ll try to help some. First, I’d submit to the financial aid office anything they requested such as W2s, 1099s, income tax returns, etc. I’ve found the best way to work with financial aid is email, sometimes they’ll answer the same day, sometimes a few days later depending on how busy they are. Right now they are busy during the first week of fall semester. USF assigns a main contact person for your financial aid work, I’ve had the same person for 3 years and she has always been helpful to me. Too, email financial aid and make sure you make it clear you will be attending for the first time spring 2012. BTW, the first few days of 2012, make sure to get your FAFSA done for 2012. Too, this is important, absolutely make sure to tell financial aid your dad lost his job in Nov. 2010 and that he has lost the income that shows on 2010 W2s and other financial statements–USF will likely give you more aid because of this!</p>
<p>So recapping, I’d recommend emailing financial aid office reminding them you are coming spring 2012 term, ask what they need to update your file, tell them about your dad losing his job and having severe drop in income. Too, email admissions and clear up that you will have AA and ask what else do you need to do before spring term begins. Good luck!</p>
<p>You did complete 2011 FAFSA right? If you didn’t, better do the 2011 FAFSA app. asap. Again, email USF financial aid and ask them exactly what they need from you now.</p>
<p>and yes, i completed fafsa for the 2011-2012 year. since im going to be a spring transfer in 2012, is the priority deadline october? USF doesnt state that too much, so its unclear for people who are transferring in the spring. the only file they are asking me my parents 2010 W2 and mine. currently printing it out and will be mailing it out tomorrow. </p>
<p>also, do you have a reference of who i could contact regarding my financial situation? i could NEVER reach one person (busy or not).</p>
<p>You can get the name of your USF financial aid advisor by submitting online to USF the last 4 digits from your USF ID in the form in attached link. Note in the attached link the red statement that the financial aid office is backed up now and is slow responding for another week with the fall semester starting. Anyway mail your forms tomorrow and remember to include a note also to USF if your dad is still between jobs–you might qualify for more aid. Email the advisor too, after you get name, with your other questions and they will get with you eventually.
[USF:</a> USFAS - Contact Us](<a href=“http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/contact_us.aspx]USF:”>http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/contact_us.aspx)</p>
<p>so include a note about my dad with the W2 forms? got it! </p>
<p>i dont see anyway to contact them till after sept 5th so im pretty much stuck. the best thing to do is wait since i just resubmitted my fafsa and will be mailing my parents and my W2’s to USF. </p>
<p>ill report back on when something comes up. thanks so much for helping! any financial support i get means i have a greater chance of going to USF :D</p>
<p>yeah hopefully. i just have to get to tampa asap, which might be difficult. lizard, you know how on usf, they list the amount you pay per year such as transportation, tuition, room and board, food, etc. does it really come out to $20 grand? i think they estimated too high</p>
<p>$20,000 is puffed some on higher side, maybe expect to need closer to $15,000 for two semesters. You certainly can do it for less, but you’ll have to cut back on luxuries.</p>
<p>If it is a hardship for you getting to Tampa to see financial aid officers, you should be able to do everything over phone, mail, internet, etc. Ask if you can avoid trip and still get done what needs to be done.</p>
<p>Sorry if I went off topic, but I’m kind of in the same boat as well. I’m getting my A.S. in Business Admin. next spring 2012, and was wondering if you were in the same field? </p>