<p>So, folks around here usually post their ACT/SAT/GPA/AP/etc stats on here after they get an admission decision, so why not financial aid? Just ballpark numbers. No need to get specific or put anything identifying on there. That way, future students can look at those as a factor, too. I don't know about you guys, but getting in is definitely only HALF the battle. </p>
<p>It's all good and well to see the example aid packages on their site, but it might be helpful to see some more recent ones. </p>
<p>You can post basic stats and whatever other info you feel is relevant. </p>
<p>Example:
Family income =
Family assets =
Wellesley grant aid =
Loans =
Work study =
Expected family contribution =</p>
<p>Mine is a little complicated because my parents are divorced.
custodial parent: 75k income, 50k assets
noncustodial parent: 100k income, unknown assets</p>
<p>Wellesley expects us to pay 35k…the issue is that my noncustodial parent is NOT financially responsible for me, and is not planning on contributing to my education. I know they have policies about both parents contributing, but it seems unfair to just act as though it’s a double income, when in fact my parents have separate household expenses and are not equally responsible for me. The weird thing is that my siblings both went to similar privates (Scripps, Lewis and Clark) and only had to pay around our fafsa efc, 13k. I’m not sure why Wellesley is so different.</p>
<p>I’d rather not post information that’s too specific, but my family income is around ~90,000 and my EFC is 7000. I’d also like to note that I have a unique family situation, so colleges seem to give me slightly larger financial aid packages than I was expecting.</p>
<p>@fani, that seems totally insane unless you guys happen to have a lot of assets, or something. I would definitely appeal that and try to get on the phone with a real human being. They calculate their numbers based on the raw numbers you give, but you might be able to negotiate something more reasonable if you can have a discussion about it. Put their claims of having a “humane” financial aid program to the test!</p>
<p>@lynne, that totally sucks. I would at least try to discuss/negotiate it with them, though. If you’re comfortable with it, you could even point out that, though Wellesley is your top choice (if it is), you feel compelled to pick a more financially responsible option. They might be more willing to haggle than you think. </p>
<p>Of course, this is my first time going through this process, just like you guys, but I’ve had counselors/teachers tell me the same thing.</p>
<p>@completely, thanks! Your post gives me some hope for my situation. Both of my parents went through major career changes in the past five years (out of their control) and basically have had to build their businesses while supporting me and my sister and starting to think about retirement. I hope that Wellesley will be generous to us and that they really did read the part of the PROFILE where you write about special circumstances. .</p>
<p>@economiss - I specifically emailed the financial aid office earlier this year. They were very helpful and understanding (especially because I had no idea what I was doing). They’re probably swamped now, but I’m sure they’ll be willing to work with all of you!</p>