<p>I'm currently in the process of appealing financial aid at my top choice, and I haven't got a reply yet. I'm afraid I will not have a final reply from the college about financial aid until very close to the May 1 reply deadline. </p>
<p>What should I do? I've heard about requesting an extension to the May 1 deadline. Do colleges readily grant this? I will matriculate to my top choice regardless of the outcome of the FA appeal, and I don't want to lose my place by not replying punctually.</p>
<p>If you will go regardless of aid, why bother requesting the extension?</p>
<p>I think if you don’t get a reply by the deadline (or a few days before because they know about the deadline), then that is your reply.</p>
<p>I suspect the wheels are spinning pretty fast in the financial aid offices right now.</p>
<p>Give them a call on Monday, and see whether you can expect a reply in the next couple days. We just got a reply to a request for reconsideration of need-based aid a few days ago, and the school’s admissions office is still considering a request for increased merit aid (and they emailed us today to that effect).</p>
<p>And get ready to make a decision mid-week or so.</p>