Financial aid office: is it just me?

<p>Northwestern's financial aid application process is the most cumbersome of any college applied to this year, and the staff in the office is plain rude. Had the phone slammed down on me yesterday after asking a completely reasonable question about a confusing document request. Answer to the question was borderline rude, I said "okay I think that is what I needed to know, thank you," -- which was met with silence then a clunk. Does not bode well!</p>

<p>Every encounter I’ve had with them has been absolutely wonderful. They’re not only friendly but incredibly understanding and professional.</p>

<p>I have been in contact with them through two kids, over an eight year period, and have always been treated well.</p>

<p>Most recently I went through a successful FinAid appeal, which occasioned several calls over a two week period, and everyone I talked to was helpful, professional, and sounded like they cared. I give them 2 thumbs up.</p>

<p>Ok good to know, thanks. Must have been a one-off. That is a relief, everyone at other schools has been so nice, I was actually shocked LOL.</p>

<p>I had to call them a few months ago and the guy I spoke to was really helpful. He did seem a bit flustered, but he answered my questions clearly. Maybe it was just an off day?</p>

<p>One thing to consider is that the FA folks probably have a crazy workload when they are dealing with 32,000 applicants, versus the ~2,000 new admits they will eventually be working with.</p>

<p>Thanks for the replies! I’ll reserve judgment then lol</p>

<p>I have spoken with Financial Aid, and other offices like 9 Pay and registrar, and they have always been wonderful. I would imagine right now is crazy with RD acceptances, packages in the makes. Give them another try…My son was accepted to 7 colleges and they by far are the most reasonable and down to earth. He is a soph now and last year I had lots of questions and they were very patient.</p>