<p>I understand that most of the April 1 schools give admissions by email initially (comments on this are welcome), but I am not sure how financial aid information is initially sent. Does it typically come only by snailmail? Or is it sent by email, as well? My concerns arise from the fact that US-origin mail to our city has been taking 10 to 18 days to arrive this year (about double the time US-origin mail formerly took). Financial aid will be a very important part of our decision, so its timely arrival is necessary particularly if we are to have communications with any schools. One school would like to know our decision by April 7, but I am concerned that we won't have the information required to make an informed decision by then. If the financial aid information is delayed, will schools give it out over the phone?</p>
<p>violindad, I think we can get an extension at the April 7 school (I asked them if we come visit in mid-April before making a decision and they were very nice about it.) I do know Indiana is supposed to come by snail but I don’t know about the others…</p>
<p>It depends upon the school, but most post the FAs on their web link which is accessible to students who have applied. Given that you are dealing with "International " mail, I would think it perfectly reasonable for you to call them when the time is right (if you haven’t heard anything) and ask to have it either given over the phone, e-mailed or faxed to you.</p>
<p>If the school is associated with either NASM or NACAC and they request a commitment before May 1, they are supposed to grant an extension to that date for all who ask for one. There should be no penalty imposed on financial aid offered directly by the school, but there could still be consequences if the source of the aid is external and it sets a deadline earlier than May 1 over which the school has no control. It certainly sounds like a phone call is in order if you do not have all the information you need by April 1.</p>