<p>This is just an update on some of my experiences and hopefully will help out some others who received a less than stellar package and are deciding whether to contact the FA office... DO IT! I have been diligent in providing documention, additional info etc before the schools even did their packages. We have a couple of special circumstances so I knew the first go around wouldn't quite represent the whole picture so I sent in things before they asked. </p>
<p>School 1-Received the special circumstance letter and documentation but told us that they wouldn't even consider it until after we placed a deposit. This made no sense to us as we would never be able to truly compare offers with schools who did take high medical expenses into account. </p>
<p>School 2-We sent in all documentation, sent emails etc and received an award. I sent piles of receipts etc. It was only after I called to ask a question that I found out they wanted one more form before they would consider a review but never requested it! I assumed because I sent in everything they asked for it was complete. Only by luck did I find out something wasn't considered and am now awaiting a second review. So please call your offices. </p>
<p>School 3-Fully explained how they came up with their IM EFC and even how they would do it next year. They suggested we send in an appeal as they are reviewing this week. The result=$4000 higher in a grant!</p>
<p>School 4-Told us flat out that we received the highest amount of aid that the school gives and it never changes it. I asked for a professional judgement to see if they could adjust the EFC to qualify for a federal grant and they did. </p>
<p>I've been very lucky. Every office I spoke with was very nice and accomodating. My feeling was that they get so many applications that when people call or send an additional letter that it makes it more personal and they can put a person with a file. I was going to wait until we were making our visits next week but all of them told us to send the stuff in NOW. They seemed to want to get things completed this week.</p>