<p>us too, polodolly. The EFC was double what my parents put down.</p>
<p>EFC was accurate. We had to remember to add to account for travel expenses for her and for us. Plus books and a cushion for spending money. We did not budget for an overseas class trip which was a surprise that added to the total. I suspect kids on full scholarship are covered for the most of the above.</p>
<p>“EFC was accurate.” -__-
Thanks for being honest exie…I’m in trouble :[</p>
<p>polodolly - If your parents have concerns, and there are valid reasons for those concerns (such as health situations or other family expenses that make paying full BS tuition impossible), then I’d suggest they go back and amend their financial statement to explain those concerns. There is a box at the end of the form where they can say whatever they need to in order to explain your family’s particular circumstances. If there’s a reason they can’t pay their EFC, then that’s the place to explain what that reason is. What they put in that box won’t impact NAIS’s calculation of the family EFC, but it will be part of the info that’s sent to the schools, and the schools will read it and take it into consideration.</p>
<p>BTW, it’s super easy to amend the form, just make sure that they remember to click on the link on the left side of the page called “Submit PFS Change” - that’s what re-sends the updated form to the schools.</p>
<p>Polly - do NOT be concerned. I second what dodgersmom said.</p>
<p>Think of it this way - The EFC is a generic calculation to put all families on the same playing field. Once accepted, you’ll notice that many parents here report that their “aid” packages were different depending on the schools. Some students got full scholarships at one school, partial scholarships at another, and no aid at a third.</p>
<p>When you are accepted, you can call the financial aid office and explain your situation. The same goes for college. Some schools are stretched for budget in the down economy but others have wiggle room. And there are a lot of factors that are NOT covered on the financial aid form. So if there are financial issues, large non-discretionary bills (such as medical bills) and other factors they’ll ask for documentation.</p>
<p>And despite the forms, many schools are no longer calculating things like home equity and retirement accounts because - frankly - house values are no longer stable. </p>
<p>So don’t worry until you get the package. It might not be as bad as you think. </p>
<p>But if there are special circumstances, by all means amend your form. Hang in there!</p>
<p>Thank you so so so much for the positive words :D! </p>
<p>@Exie- so if a school’s FA package is insufficient, are you allowed to call the FA office and explain why you need a larger amount?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Absolutely! How are they going to know if you don’t tell them? No guarantees, of course, but parents have reported here that they were able to get increased awards when they asked.</p>
<p>You might want to take a look at the threads in the parents’ forum from last March - this question certainly came up then.</p>
<p>@Dodgersmom : Thank you so much! You have just made my stress level decrease by 90% I will go check out those threads</p>
<p>so I was accepted to my top two 
but the FA situation is more of a 
x1000 so I will definately be calling them up soon so hopefully we can work this out. Thank you so much Exie and dodgersmom, you guys have been so incredible!</p>
<p>You’re welcome. We feel your pain.</p>