<p>Is there normally a big difference between the two? When my older sister went to college (about 10 years ago) she said that on her estimated letter it said she was awarded $20,000. But when she received her final letter the was offered/awarded almost double that amount. </p>
<p>When I received my award letter last month she told me that I should just sign and accept what the university is offering me because they will probably end up giving me more than what they're offering right now. Is this true? </p>
<p>Any advice/comments are appreciate!</p>
<p>It depends. I heard there are times where the final are less than the estimated. Since it’ estimated, It could be more or less but shouldn’t be off by much.</p>
<p>Just because that happened to your sister is NO REASON to believe that it will happen to you. That was a rare instance. Her larger award may have had some merit thrown in or may have been the result of a correction from a mistake. </p>
<p>Many people post about their awards on CC and rarely do people post that they end up with a lot more than what was estimated unless there was a serious mistake with the original estimate.</p>
<p>These days with the tie in to the tax forms, the differences can be attributed sometimes to the estimated vs actual numbers. Also, if some merit get thrown into the mix or if the school initially does not meet need, but ends up with some additional funds that it can distribute, it is possible. But, the pendulum can swing both ways, you know, in terms of aid. If the numbers on any estimated forms turn out to be higher than what the estimated awards were based, you can lose aid too.</p>
<p>I might apply to one or two places that I think will not give me enough, because maybe it will be different in the end. I am not sure. But, I am mostly just applying to places where the financial aid estimator says I can afford it.</p>
<p>You should have your final financial aid offer by now. You should not accept if it is not good enough.</p>
<p>Is your letter an estimated award, or a final award? An estimated award is based on estimated figures, before final numbers are verified - they are most often sent for ED and EA applicants, because FAFSA can’t even be filed before they are accepted. A final award is just that - final. There can be changes, but most often they are due to errors. Unless there was an error, why would a school offer more money after you’ve already accepted their first offer? They can use that money to entice someone else who might be on the fence - they’ve already got your deposit.</p>