<p>Right, the funds are just not available. Aid is an art, rather than a science, and funding is not exact. It’s always a balancing act to get the funding levels correct … so it is usually assumed that some of what has been awarded will not get paid out (students never matriculate, award packages change, students become ineligible for aid, etc).</p>
<p>Thanks for explaining this process! </p>
<p>I just checked the appeals forms. The university has a form specifically for computer purchase appeals. My son’s computer was $1200, far below the schools max of $2500. I wonder if $1200 would be enough to change anything with his award?</p>
<p>I think it’s a fairly straightforward calculation, but kelsmom will correct me if I’m wrong…take the current COA and add the $1200 computer. Then subtract your EFC and his current awards (including the outside scholarships, but not the Stafford or parent loan). If the balance is a positive number, there is financial need and a subsidized Stafford can be awarded up to the freshman max of $3500. If it’s not a positive number, a COA increase of $1200 will not help.</p>
<p>That’s exactly how it works! :)</p>
<p>Kelsmom…how do you know if a student is considered freshman or sophomore status by credits? There is nothing on my son’s college website that indicates this and given the fact that information I do receive from them directly is often incorrect, is there a formula that determines this that applies to all colleges?</p>
<p>No, it varies by school. I know how hard it can be to find it … search “class standing” or “credits required for sophomore status” or something along those lines on the school’s main website. It does have to be there somewhere. You can also pull up the 10-11 catalog and it should be in that, under the academic regulations section.</p>
<p>Your child should be able to find class standing in the student portal, I would bet. It’s usually in the academics section of the student’s info on the computer.</p>
<p>Update-
The bursar’s office referred me back to financial aid, because they cannot do payment arrangements. Oddly, it was financial aid that suggested I contact the bursar’s office to make payment arrangements. There doesn’t seem to be good communication between the departments.</p>
<p>I have submitted paperwork for a computer purchase appeal. Fin Aid has said it will take awhile to consider the appeal. According to the forms, it will only alter the Staffords sub/unsub amounts, not change any grant potential.</p>
<p>I think the office is woefully understaffed. Getting a person is very difficult, and getting an open mailbox to leave a message is seemingly impossible. I did eventually get some help to apply for a plus loan. The fees will be annoying, but I can pay it off over the next few months. </p>
<p>I am very appreciative of the guidance and support that you all were able to give. Thanks!</p>