<p>So ND has always been basically my only choice, and even though my family has relatively low income I was really happy that ND helps cover such a large amount of tuition. So I got really excited and I committed earlier this week. </p>
<p>Now I'm having second thoughts.... Do you think this will affect my financial aid package? Now that they know I'm going there anyway, will they give me less grant money and more loans and work study? It wouldn't be fair but I know that that's how things work in this world...
I'm worrying that I'll regret this if I could've gotten a better package just by waiting to sign the paper?</p>
<p>Congrats on your decision. Have faith that ND will treat you fairly–I believe you will be. You are lucky to have this resolved. Now enjoy your senior year.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I’ve never been happier and I have never been more excited for something in my entire life, but sometimes the reactions I get are disheartening. That’s what happened before I posted this question; I’ve had a few adults/parents say "Whaaaaaat? You didn’t wait for financial aid offers to come back yet? Nobody does that… What if _______? It might not be worth it… " It just makes me worry since finances are so tough these days.</p>
<p>I truly believe that ND is where I’m supposed to be, and that the university will be there to help me as much as it can. Obviously I can no longer appeal with “well School X gave me this much money, you should give me more if you want me to go here.”
It was never about that… But hopefully everything else works out perfectly so my mom won’t be on my back and so that I won’t have to listen to other parents’ snide comments. (:</p>
<p>I believe that you can still appeal if you are willing to walk away from your deposit and attend another institution. You have lost leverage with ND but hopefully that won’t matter after you receive your generous FA package.</p>
<p>Oh there is no way I would choose any other school over Notre Dame. The only thing is that I’m the first one in my entire family to go to college, so the only thing my mom hears about are stories from other people at her work. It’s hard to compare though since everyone’s situation is unique, but obviously each thing said has an effect and makes my mom worry. Which, in turn, makes me second guess everything and post things like this. </p>
<p>The main concern, however, is just “Does committing have an extensive effect on a financial aid package?”</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it. I have several friends who attend and are familiar with the processes. Apparently, it is done mostly by some formula in their computer system. If you look at their online cost estimator, it is really close to what you’ll actually receive because they do base it off of the same system.</p>
<p>Additionally, if you take the time to contact them near the deadline for paying your admissions deposit, you have a chance of receiving more financial aid, as they might have some “left over” due to a smaller need in their admitted class. Stay positive, and congratulations! You’re the envy of some of the top students across the nation for getting in.</p>