<p>so today i met with a financial aid officer at bucknell to discuss my appeal of their financial aid award. she asked me what my mom was willing to pay, and i told her $10k. she agreed that after reviewing my CSS Profile and FAFSA that that number was about right; bucknell expected her to pay around $12k. so WHY DID MY FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE TOTAL IN A MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WORTH $10K AND LOANS WORTH $3K??? that leaves my mom paying close to $37k! i didn't ask her about it because i was trying to be polite, but how does that work??? bucknell is reported as meeting 100% of demonstrated need, but they gapped me $25k. thoughts, anyone?</p>
<p>also, does anyone have any advice/knowledge about taking out alternative loans on your own? this finaid officer said she never recommends it, but i figure i should research it a little bit... is there a way to graduate with managable (less than $18k) debt?</p>