<p>I'm breaking this out into a separate topic because I think it deserves attention.</p>
<p>If something doesn't seem quite right or quite fair in a financial aid offer, call and ask. The worst that they can do is review the file and say "No" to a request for more money.</p>
<p>The amount we were offered this year did not seem enough when compared to last year's in the context of this year's and last year's income. </p>
<p>I called Financial Aid and we set up an appointment with my favorite FinAid counselor. She reviewed the file with her supervisor and then she got back to me. At this point, the difference is almost $1,800/year more for this year and was $3,000/year last year. It may not be a lot but it's not chopped liver. Moreover, I now understand a particular issue where I need to make a further appeal to the head of the financial aid office in writing, though that won't be processed until after August 15.</p>
<p>Two notes: if a student's parents just have "normal" salaried income, I don't know how much wiggle room there is. Questions arise on my return because I'm self-employed. With self-employed people, they add certain deductions back into your income. Which deductions and how much of them can be a subjective arguable matter. Depreciation, car & truck expenses, and home office expenses are issues that have come up in our first two years and the home office expense is the basis of my further appeal.</p>
<p>Also, it would be a very rare student who is knowledgeable and coherent about parental tax returns. This is one of the calls that the parent needs to make.</p>
<p>I applaud your bringing this into a separate thread, as my experience surely bears out what you are saying. I am about to send second child to college, and have found that the financial aid offices sometimes don't even ask for information that would be favorable for a reduced parent contribution, such as medical expenses over a certain amount (as a percentage of income) and certain deductions that will or will not count on rental property. It is always good to ask, even if following up seems a pain. </p>
<p>I have also learned that the timing of the questions is important. You are more likely to get someone to pay attention to you if they are not in the midst of the big crunch times, like right as admissions letters are going out, or right when renewal packages are being determined. It pays to be patient. I worked in a financial aid office one summer as an intern, and I recall that there was a fair amount of unhappiness among the fin aid officers in that they are sometimes dealing with parents who are very stressed, who are asking a lot, and are making, often, a whole lot more than the fin aid counselor will ever make. It is a good idea to be kind, to have your data clearly before you, and your questions well thought out before you call. Just a few ideas!</p>
<p>Being kind and considerate is the right thing to do, from so many perspectives. I listened carefully, explained what I thought was reasonable to consider, and they responded with how they view things, at which point I either accepted their point of view or, in one case, just dropped it. E.g., while the local health insurance is in our budget of expenses, they don't calculate it in the EFC because it's not an across the board expense for all students, many students closer to home just use their parental insurance for primary care. In our case, this isn't a prudent decision and while I don't agree with FinAid's policy of not counting the insurance cost, which is billed through the college, I understand that it's a global policy that I'm not going to change. (They do have exceptions for students whose EFC's are zero or close thereto.)</p>
<p>As for timing, I also agree. This means getting an appointment somewhat at their convenience, which might mean in a week or two, not <em>right now</em>. Considering what's at stake, I'm happy to be accommodating as long as I can fit what's ultimately proposed in <em>my</em> schedule...Murphy was powerful, the FinAid officer I wanted to speak to has Tuesdays as her "phone day"...and Tuesdays are the worst for me. Karma. I ditched my office meeting.</p>
<p>I've already been told that my appeal for the home office deduction won't be considered until August 15th...which is very late relative to paying the first bill. I was essentially told to make a substantial partial payment with a note explaining that a FinAid appeal was in process. Sounds reasonable to me.</p>
<p>One step at a time. It pays to be patient. Also easier on the blood pressure.</p>
<p>TheDad, boy, sounds like they are really good to work with at TheKid's school! I hope it did not sound like I was trying to tell you, TheDad, what to do, the "you" was intended to read "one" as "One is more likely to get them to pay attention" etc.etc.etc. </p>
<p>You are surely having to be patient, (not one of the characteristics my friends would often attribute to me) and I sure hope it is helpful in the end, ie. the bottom line.</p>
<p>MoT, goodness, no, it never occured to me to read your post as telling me what to do. I was using yours as a springboard to amplify on some things.</p>
<p>One thing you have no control over and over which we simply lucked out: the FinAid officer I spoke with last year was intelligent, perceptive, and pleasant, notwithstanding she didn't recommend everything I would have hoped for. Since then, I've asked for her by name on every occasion...has been worth it, having familiarity with student, me, the file, etc., all in a positive way.</p>