I recently got accepted into Davidson College, which I’m thrilled about, but unfortunately the financial aid package is not enough for me to be able to attend (although they do offer more than many of the other schools I got in to). Does anyone have any experience with appealing for more financial aid? Do you have any tips on what to say and include? What are my chances of actually getting more aid?
And also, what does “needs allowance” mean? For example, if someone is at x% of needs allowance, what does that mean?
Thank you!
Did you run the NPC ahead of time to see an estimate of what kind of aid you might expect? If so, is the aid you received significantly different from the estimate?
Davidson uses their own formula to calculate (and meet) your financial need. So if you are not being awarded a merit-based scholarship, but need-based aid, they are not going to award you more than they calculate your need to be.
If you have extenuating circumstances, you should contact the Financial Aid department. For example, if your family’s income dropped significantly after the tax year used to calculate your financial need. They list several possible reasons on the appeal form.
Good luck!