<p>I was accepted to Exeter, but I found out today that the financial aid we were offered was not enough for me to be able to attend the school. The thing I'm confused about is that my family makes less than $75,000 a year. But according to Exeter's website (and all the pamphlets that drew me into the school), any accepted student whose family income is less than $75,000 is guaranteed full financial aid. This was not my family's case; we are expected to pay about 40% of the school tuition about $5000 higher than what SSS estimated that my family is able to contribute.</p>
<p>Given the current financial aid circumstances, I have to contact the admissions office and ask if they can reconsider the financial aid offered. What is the best way to do this phone or email? Through an email, I think that we can present the case more thoroughly, but we understand that the admissions office is very busy at this time of the year and may not be able to respond to the email (they did not respond to any of the emails I sent out during the admissions process). Should my parents say something about the less than $75,000 income thing? Right now, we feel like Exeter is not being very trustworthy with this financial aid initiative.</p>
<p>We had already checked PFS and found no mistake, but we think that the higher-than-expected tuition could be because my family owns two real estate properties. However, we still think that the financial aid situation is sketchy because even SSS did not expect us to contribute that much to the school. Is this something that happens often with SSS estimates?</p>
<p>Also, I was also accepted to Andover with nearly full financial aid. I feel very lucky to be welcomed by Andover (also an amazing school), but as a person who is very serious about math, I feel like Exeter's math curriculum suits my interests much better. Should we mention something about Andover's generous offer when we negotiate with Exeter? Or would that make us seem too pushy about the situation, given that we would need to deduct at least $10,000 from our tuition at Exeter?</p>
<p>First, it’s your parents who should contact the school, and not you. They should call and ask to speak with the financial aid director. If it’s a hardship for them to pay the tuition that’s expected, they should explain why. They can and should also ask for an explanation of how the school calculated their expected contribution. If they disagree with that assessment, they should state their reasons for disagreeing.</p>
<p>This conversation may or may not result in an change in the expected tuition - there are no guarantees. But it’s a conversation they should have.</p>
<p>Do be aware that they might not be able to reach the financial aid director immediately. Make the request for an appointment by phone, and then follow up with an email to the financial aid director himself, also requesting an appointment. (There’s also an assistant to the financial aid director, and she might be more easily reached.)</p>
<p>Now, about Exeter vs. Andover . . . it’s my understanding that they also have math classes at Andover. (A current Andover student can certainly correct me if I’m mistaken!) And my guess is that Andover some very talented math students, as well. Exeter, on the other hand, despite its reputation as a “math school,” is fully prepared to kick your butt as soon as you walk through the door to your required humanities classes . . . are you prepared for that? As you already know, I’m sure, the math class you’d be assigned to at Exeter would depend on your prior experience and ability. Not so with the humanities classes . . . they have one level only. Hint: it’s not the beginners’ level!</p>
<p>So, before you commit to Exeter because you’re “serious about math,” you may want to find out what you’re really getting into!</p>
<p>I agree with dodgersmom 100%. Don’t make the mistake that many do of seeing Exeter as more math oriented–it is a school that firmly emphasized a well-rounded, liberal arts education and all its departments are strong.</p>
<p>That said, I do think it’s worth a call to FA, and I would mention the discrepancy with the $75,000 cap, and your PFS as the reason for your call–and maybe the discrepancy with Andover, though the first two are reason enough for your call, and when it comes down to it, the school is just as likely to say, “Oh you got a better offer from Andover? Sounds like the place for you then.” </p>
<p>It’s less a matter of negotiation than seeking clarification on why the award was so much lower than the PFS recommendation. I don’t think there’s much to negotiate frankly–the school has a pile of very qualified students on waiting lists who would love to have that FA offer come their way, should it even get that far. However, Exeter does promise to meet a family’s entire need; that is the leg you have to stand on.</p>
<p>Thank you, dodgersmom and classicalmama, for your help. It looks like the financial aid situation isn’t too good, though. My mom just called, and Exeter’s financial aid director (the only person who has control over financial aid) is on spring vacation until next Monday. The process looks like it’ll take quite a while maybe even past April 10. I guess I’ll be attending Andover in September. (Don’t get me wrong; I like Andover very much, which is why I applied.) I’m really grateful to have Andover as a very, very, nice option.</p>
<p>A suggestion to think about - your family has two properties. Many of the families here are struggling with a single property. The intent of Exeter alumni in funding a scholarship pool for middle class families was not to give blanket funding to families with large assets even if the normal wages are lower. There is no written guarantee that you will be funded if your parents make that amount of money. If that were true you wouldn’t have to file a PFS - just send in your tax forms. </p>
<p>There is a possibility that there is a mistake in your funding level. But I also know there are families that make comparable salaries that have no sizeable assets to tap (equity, investments, etc.). Schools - especially those whose endowments have taken a hit in a bad economy are not required to give students full aid, or subsidize a lifestyle. So although you may be correct that your parents make an income at or under the threshold, there is also a possibility that they have other assets you aren’t aware of.</p>
<p>How can I know that without seeing your PFS? The PFS calculated that your family could afford (at a $75,000 income level) to pay approx. $12-15,000 in tuition(before Exeter added an addition $5,000). I can’t think of any family at that income level whose only resources is their paycheck that could manage that (and the expenses of BS that came with it.)</p>
<p>Financial aid is a gift from funds donated by alumni and parents. It isn’t a right or an entitlement. Have your parents check with Exeter to see if there is a mistake. If not, decide based on what you can afford.</p>
<p>I had a similar situation last year. I didn’t negotiate with Exeter. I just sent the admissions office a polite no thank you note. </p>
<p>Don’t worry about Math and Science. There will be just as many Math and Science courses to “kick your butt” at Andover as there are at Exeter. The teachers will be as good. The students will be as smart. And the science labs are state of the art. </p>
<p>Embrace the opportunity the need blind financial aid at Andover has given you. You won’t regret it. Congratulations on your acceptance. You’ll love it at Andover.</p>