I got accepted for the class of 2020; however, the financial aid offer is totally disappointing and would be a serious obstacle against me getting into Dartmouth. I know that this year Dartmouth admitting process is need-based not need-blind, but I’ve read that once you are accepted, they are ready to fully meet your needs. My parents are willing to pay about 10k max., which is 20k less than the offer, and I won’t be able to get in if the offer doesn’t get changed. Would it be difficult to change the financial aid offer ? How good/flexible is Dartmouth, considering reviewing financial aid offers ?
“My parents are willing to pay about 10k max”
Willing has nothing to do with paying for college.
Did you and your parents run the NPC before you applied?
If their finances are straight forward (no business, large investments, divorces, trusts, etc.) and you ran the NPC and had a favorable EFC, then go over your submitted financial info very carefully and look for mistakes.
@txstella
NPC works for American students only. I’m an international applicant.
Keep in mind that being need blind is an admissions process and meeting 100% demonstrated need (which Dartmouth commits to do for all admitted students) is a financial aid process.
As an international student, your ability to pay was a factor in the admissions process.
Based on the financial aid office evaluating your family’s income and assets, they felt that your family could afford to pay approx $30k even though they only want to or are committed to only paying 10k.
As txstella stated, your financial aid package is calculated based on what Dartmouth feels your family can afford to pay, not what they are willing to pay or self imposed limits on the max that they feel that they are going to pay.
If you feel that there is something that Dartmouth overlooked (not my parents only want to pay this, we live in an expensive area, etc.) when calculating your financial need (unreimbursed medical expenses, job loss, etc) then contact financial aid and request a financial review. Be ready to provide documentation to substantiate your case.
@sybbie719
Not that they are " willing ", but that what they would be able to do. According to the current offer, my parents are expected to pay 40% of their yearly income, which is ~100k$, on my education. And they actually have no investments or something, so I feel that something is really wrong with this offer.
You must also keep in mind that paying for college is based on past monies (savings) current income and future income (loans). When you spoke to your parents regarding how much they were willing to pay did they tell you 10K?
Are you parents self employed? Do they own their own business? Does your family own any property other than your primary home ? Does your family own a farm?
What would be the basis for your financial review?
Hi, I’m an international student too and im going to apply for RD.
Congratulations on ur acceptance letter! And if u dont mind me asking, how much ur parents’s income that u wrote on ur css profile? And what about ur SAT score?
Thank in advace and have a good day!
Sadly what your family feels they can afford isn’t necessary what Dartmouth feels they can. Don’t expect them to increase your offer just because your family says it isn’t enough. They hear that all the time.