<p>I just spoke to Smith fin aid dept. and they say there isn't going to be any change in our package. They don't know why we just got the email with the corrected FAFSA since the determination was done "before admission." That they don't use the FAFSA number to determine aid. What they calculated as our EFC just happens to be $8000 more than the corrected EFC. I mean really? All the other schools my D got into seem to have used the original EFC in their determinations-- It's all such hokus- pocus!!</p>
<p>But the good news for us is that there is now no extraordinary compelling reason for my D to choose Smith. Less pressure going into these final two weeks.</p>
<p>Good news to everyone who got emails with higher EFCs--I mentioned that some people had gotten emails with increased EFCs and asked if that would affect their awards and the person I spoke with said NO.</p>
<p>Well, I"m sorry FAFSA got your hopes up only to have them put down the end, but SFS’ statement does make sense. It’s weird for FAFSA to suddenly change people’s EFC numbers, but everyone knows that Smith doesn’t use just the FAFSA to determine need, that’s why the ask for the other documents like the CSS Profile, and pretty much all their peer institutions are the same. Maybe there was some kind of FAFSA system error, but it would be really unfair to change everyone’s aid packages around at this point, when many have already made decisions and sent in deposits.</p>
<p>I thought it might be odd to begin with because, just as you say, many students have made their decisions already and sent in their deposits. It started me to wondering if my D’s package could be changed (for the worse) after she finally decides on a school and sends in the deposit.</p>
<p>I am sorry 
<em>hugs</em></p>
<p>Upstatemom, I’m sorry you got your hopes up with the FAFSA. Hugs! The CSS Profile really is more detailed in providing information about applicants’ financial situations. But, yes, Smith and the other school are on an even playing field at this point, and your daughter can choose the college that feels right to her.</p>
<p>The FAFSA email sounded . . . strange, to put it mildly. </p>
<p>In some ways, it will be better for your daughter that there isn’t any financially overwhelming choice. She’ll make her decision based on factors other than money, which may end up benefiting her in the end.</p>