<p>In regards to extenuating circumstances, a member of my immediate family recieved extensive chemotherapy treatments two years ago. Both my parents had to take off of work and several thousand dollars were spent on non insurance reimbursed expenses. However, financially, this is only evident on the 2003 tax forms. The colleges I am considering have told me because the extenuating circumstance does not fall on the 2004 tax returns, there is nothing they can do. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get more aid from these universities?</p>
<p>My experience has been that schools in general are unsympathetic about anything that does not fall into that year's events. I've known people whose parent died or lost a job the year the kid is scheduled to start college, and the school's response has been that the aid is based on the PRIOR year's income and happenings. The truth is some schools won't consider anything even if it happened in a key year if it does not fit in a predescribed categeory.</p>
<p>The best you can do is to write a letter about the circumstances and make it clear that the expenses incurred for medical treatment created a financial hole that is still being filled this year. You can be specific about amounts of loan incurred, debt incurred, medical payments that are being made. If , however, your parents are clear of all such payments by now and during key 2004 year, you are totally out of luck. Even with outstanding debts still being paid, some schools are not going to care, but you might as well give it a try. Good luck and I hope all went well with your family member, and that the family is getting back on their feet. I can really relate to your situation.</p>