Hi:
I’ve been accepted to UVA and recently received my preliminary financial aid award. To be clear, it’s generous as far as the total goes, particularly for an out-of-state student, and I could attend UVA with it, but it’s very loan-heavy.
I’m an independent student (both parents deceased; one of them during the college application process). UVA’s website says that appeals based on a change in financial circumstances typically result in more loan money or Pell grant. I already have the max Pell grant. What I’m trying to find out if I can do is reduce my loan total and increase grant/scholarship aid. I think that desire is equally selfish and practical on my part. The website makes it sound like I have next to no chance of doing that, but I’m wondering if anyone else has relevant experience in this. Is it even worth a shot, or are appeals only considered if I can demonstrate significant unmet need?