<p>Can anybody give me any information on how Smith uses the CSS profile in combination with the Fafsa?</p>
<p>With my income my parents are just shy of the federal poverty level. However we own a home and have some savings. My parents are nearing retirement age and my moms getting her undergrad. While I wouldn't consider those funds touchable and Smith sincerely seems to take special consideration of circumstances.....I'm paranoid.
I've been having health issues but if necessary it's worth it me to force myself into working more hours now and full time :[ this summer. Still it's not something I'd be thrilled about obviously and it would be better to start sooner than later.
I also have no problem with a reasonable amount of work study. I'm pretty sure the federal limits 20 hours a week for that anyway.
It's the loans I'm scared about since my parents are in no position to cosign on anything. I know I've mentioned all this before when I was deciding about ED but I'm seriously stressing out and actually considering deferring admission (what I wouldn't give to just stress about getting in) and taking the time to work if my aid package falls short.</p>
<p>....."No student, whether on Work-Study or not, is permitted more than the maximum 12 hours a week or one 'full-time' position, First Years work a maximum of 9 hours per week. Students receiving a stipend for positions such as STRIDE, HCA, etc. are not eligible for a second job. This policy attempts to offer all students an equal opportunity to work."</p>
<p>STRESSSSS? So no more than 9 hours period? Thats only about 2000 from work study.....
help:[</p>
<p>I don't know about the 9 hours a week thing, but with the 12 hours I do know that is treated as an average hours restriction, rather than a totally binding clause. I.e., your average hours for the year can't be more than 12 hours, though you can work more than that some weeks. As you say, there's also chances to earn money during vacations, and then working full time over the summer (myself and most of my friends do that, unless we have a really good internship). </p>
<p>I can't tell you how the CSS will work out, but what I can tell you is that there is no point in worrying about the situation now. Smith will offer you some kind of aid commensurate with what it calculates your need to be. If it's not what you and your parents consider to be your need, then you call them up, show them other offers you have, explain any extenuating circumstances and try for a better deal. </p>
<p>But there's no way to know how it will turn out this far in advance. It might not be a bad idea to plan to work full time for at least part of this summer regardless of where you end up going to school. Getting set up at school can be expensive, and the extra cushion of cash will come in handy.</p>
<p>For the overwhelming majority of students, working more than 9-12 hours a week would place undue pressure on academics. </p>
<p>I believe that all students should work during college, whether they need to or not. But I also believe that the number of hours should be capped at more or less where Smith does so.</p>
<p>I agree with the others to wait and see before worrying too much. Also, it's possible to get off-campus jobs (babysitting, restaurants, dog-walking, etc) to help supplement, though it's true that you need to make sure you leave enough time for your studies and the other things you want to do--only you can determine where to strike that balance..</p>
<p>All I can tell you is that my wife is recovering from an aggresssive form of breast cancer over the past 14 months, I had a major heart attack last November, and Smith has treated us very, very, very, very well.</p>
<p>Can't guarantee that will be the same for you, but we have found the financial aid office at Smith among the nicest, most considerate people to deal with.</p>