I have a unique financial aid situation and am looking for individuals who have worked closely with the Harvard financial aid office and can give me advice on how best to approach them. I have an award from the current ivy I attend now that, if not matched, will bar me from attending. I’ve heard many great things about the financial aid office, but I have received no help from them in my interaction so far. If anyone could help me, I would appreciate a message or post; I’m uncomfortable with posting anything publicly due to the nature of my application.
Call Tanya Joyner in Harvard’s Financial Aid Office and explain the situation to her. Tanya will lead you through the process of petitioning the Financial Aid Committee to re-evaluate your financial aid based upon the aid you are receiving from your current ivy.
In the petition, which is just an email, you outline:
(1) The financial aid from your current school – both parent and student contributions – and include your financial aid award letter from your current ivy, providing the name and contact information of a financial aid officer at your current school so that Harvard can confirm the authenticity of your award.
(2) Complete these Harvard forms and send them in with the email as well: https://college.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Parent_Cash_Flow_0.pdf https://college.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/parent_information_sheet.pdf.
(3) Explain in detail why you and your parents cannot afford to attend Harvard based upon the offer Harvard gave you. The Financial Aid Committee may (or may not) agree to increase your aid based upon the information in your petition.
Unfortunately, Harvard (like most colleges) is not transparent with how financial aid is awarded – it’s all smoke and mirrors – so you have to present your case like a lawyer and hope for the best. GL!
The financial aid office is very helpful. Don’t rely on students who are there answering phones and doing other work in the office. You can e-mail, or make an in person appointment if at all practical (depending on where you are).Did you do the special circumstances section of the FAFSA? Has anything changed since then?
Don’t answer- I know you want to be private.
It seems unlikely that Harvard would offer less then another school Is it because you are a transfer? (I have no idea on this)
Is it because you are a transfer? (I have no idea on this)