Financial Aid: Feeling that I received the worst possible package.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p><em>Note to mods: I'm not sure where I should really post this, so if it is in the wrong section, I am really sorry and please move it, thanks</em></p>

<p>Hi guys, my name is David and I was recently blessed with the fortune of being accepted into Cornell, as a transfer student. Like everyone else, I was happy and excited to start my Sophomore year at Cornell and sent in the acceptance deposit and the acceptance ticket. </p>

<p>However, my excitement all but died down when I've received the fin aid application. What can I say except that, well...I am disappointed. Well, of course, a picture is worth a thousand words, so without any delay, I've uploaded an image of the decision and well...><"</p>

<p>[URL=<a href="http://imageshack.us%5D%5BIMG%5Dhttp://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5388/finaidhs6.jpg%5B/IMG%5D%5B/URL"&gt;http://imageshack.us]

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5388/finaidhs6.jpg

[/URL</a>]</p>

<p>As you can see, they gave practically NOTHING (the Canadian student loan isn't even from Cornell, but rather, I must apply for it directly from Canadian government).</p>

<p>I am quite saddened and outraged at their actions. Honestly speaking, my family and I are not in the best financial situation. My dad co-owns a business, but so far he cannot manage to bring it out of a net loss. I have a 4 year old sister whom, financially speaking, is really providing the family with difficulties. My mother, whom is already near her 50s, is forced to take up a near minimum wage job to provide. As a result, I am already trying to save every possible cent, finish University as soon as possible and start providing for my family. But this does not help...</p>

<p>I will definitely be applying for the financial appeal process, as I really view this as unfair. My family's income is extremely low (less than $20,000 Canadian last year including incomes from my own part-time job) and that we are slowly using up our already-small savings to begin with. My parents had brought a house for approx $300,000 back in 2000 which has since grown to be worth $650,000 in the overly inflated Vancouver housing markets, but it's not like the house is a source of income and I really cannot imagine how life would be like if my parents are forced to sell the house to provide for me. </p>

<p>So well, I really need advice on this matter, and if possible, aid appealing strategies and tips. Cornell is a great school and I really wish to be able to go there, but with this aid package, I doubt I can really afford to go at all...</p>

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<p>I am really sorry to hear your story. So i assume that you are a canadian citizen. Well, unless Cornell calculates financial aid for Canadaian citizens different from U.S. citizens, that canadian loan should be grants. So contact the financial aid office for more information regarding this.</p>

3

<p>have your parents paid for the house? or how much do they still owe on it? that house value is why cornell (i'm guessing) denied you aid...</p>

<p>b/c if your parents have paid most of it off you can borrow on equity...</p>

4

<p>I completely sympathize with you, as I know how difficult it could be in a world where dreams are met through money. </p>

<p>Have you contacted Cornell about this matter? Don't just send an email, send a packet with pictures and write a letter explaining your situation. If the fin aid office is going to deny you any more aid, make them feel really bad for denying you aid. If possible, go there and make an appointment so that you can meet them face-to-face. Remember, because Cornell accepted you, it means they want you as a student. If you present your case, they will try to help you.</p>

<p>It is true, that aid packages vary based on citizenship. A friend of mine, who isn't a citizen, actually has to be 2x the typical Cornell public college tuition.</p>

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<p>3 things. 1. Aid to internationals isn't usually good. 2. Ur house is a big factor in their aid calculation. 3. I'm confused about the student loan b/c it should be mostly grants b/c of the new policy. I'd call and confirm. </p>

<p>That really sux. DEFINITELY appeal. Write all of what you wrote here and more. Also ask about y ur student loans aren't grants b/c Cornell's new FA policy should have made them grants. </p>

<p>I wish u the best of luck!</p>

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<p>where did you get your package info?</p>

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<p>wow i agree.. this is totally outragerous...</p>

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<p>Hey guys, thanks for all your replies.</p>

<p>Yes, that night I emailed the prof in charge of the financial aid decisions immediately (knowing that emailing Cornell's general fin aid office would mean not getting a reply for a good week or two), and fortunately he replied the very next day</p>

<p>And yes, you guys really did guess right! The professor stated that it was a mistake and all those loans should be granted, <em>phew</em></p>

<p>I must admit, Cornell has a way with scaring people and giving them insomnia (as I did not get much sleep that night)</p>

<p>Well, I'm just glad and excited that crisis was over, everything in life is a tradeoff but I would've been really saddened if the lack of aid was the reason preventing me from going to Cornell.</p>

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<p>Congrats, man!!! Hope to see you in the fall!!!</p>

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<p>Glad your dilemma was solved.</p>

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<p>Yey welcome to Cornell!</p>

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<p>wow... that would have indeed been the worst possible package... ever..</p>

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<p>Wow, that's great to hear, I'm really happy for u. Cornell is an amazing school so I hope u love it!</p>

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<p>Good luck, hope you have a good time next year.</p>