<p>Has anyone had experience filing a appeal with the FA office? After weeks of being told that they have everything they need and that the committee was meeting on appeals “this week”, we have heard nothing. Our appeal is based on loss of income and we provided a lot of subsequent documentation. Previously we did not meet FAFSA need based aid requirements and received no merit aid. Do they reconsider merit aid or will loans be all they might offer? It is coming down to the wire and a answer from FA office would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I received an email from financial aid last Wednesday stating that since they have received over 500 appeals, they will be reviewing and notifying through this Wednesday.</p>
<p>I was very disappointed with the whole appeal process. We sent lots of documentation and all the required paperwork, only to get an email that they had rec a letter from me and that I should file an appeal and listed all the paperwork we had just sent in. With a phone call the next day I was told it was a mistake and our case would be reviewed . Of course we got an email this week saying nothing additional could be done. We felt that our Efc was way too high. Good luck , hope it works out for you.</p>
<p>We received a email today asking for documents that we sent March 22nd and that they confirmed that they received. It’s April 22nd! I really hope that the rest of the University is run better than FA.</p>
<p>Sounds like the same thing that happened to us. Give them a call tomorrow.</p>
<p>We have had need-based financial aid suddenly withdrawn for our son at the start of the semester, without apparent reason…we are appealing…has anyone had similar experience or have suggestions?? Its very difficult to get past “AU Central” and talk with an actual financial aid person.</p>
<p>After many calls, I was able to finally find out that our appeal had been denied. I half expected that but I was floored to find out the following. Need based FA is determined freshman year. It rarely goes up if your financial circumstances change for the worse in subsequent years. Thus, the loss of income that we experienced in early 2013 (and which continues still), will have no impact on FA for the next three academic years. I have a lot of great things to say about AU but their financial aid office and its policies leave many students on very shaky ground.</p>
<p>After reading these recent posts I’m glad my D choose George Washington instead. AU offered her a great FA package (and so did GWU) and I was a little sad she turned down AU. We’ll see what happens with her need-based aid at GWU next year (and now I’m a little worried because our income is even lower this year).</p>
<p>I can only comment from our experience, but my D’s need-based financial aid did go up in subsequent years. We just filled out the FAFSA every year. We went from two salary to one and from one college student to two and D’s need-based aid was adjusted. Also, she was given additional merit aid. I know every situation is different, but we’ve had a great experience with AU financial aid.</p>
<p>@MSNDIS, My son goes to GWU also. We were very fortunate that our need based financial aid actually went up for his sophomore year.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. slmx38! That’s encouraging.</p>