<p>Wellesley claims that it allots funds keeping in mind the total actual cost of attendence (~$48,000), but aren't we still going to pay for the books, travel, personal expenses, etc. along with the normal EFC in the end? </p>
<p>I don't see the point of taking into account the direct billed expenses PLUS other personal expenses, when we're going to pay for it anyways. It's just going to end up being the same finaid package as another school which doesn't take these factors into account. </p>
<p>Or maybe I'm reading something wrong.</p>
<p>I hope I don't sound annoying or anything- this is just something I'm wondering. I'm not complaining about their finaid program, because I think probably just about every school does this, not just Wellesley, but I'm just wondering why. :)</p>
<p>My family and I went through many rounds of this same debate before giving up and deciding that the Work Study was probably the part that is thought to compensate for travel and class expenses. As much as I appreciated (and desperately miss) Wellesley's generous financial aid, I really don't miss the confusing aid packages.</p>
<p>If this is something that you and your family would like to understand in detail, do call the financial aid office! Have a list of questions ready so that you can specifically identify the numbers that aren't making sense. It's easy for both parties on the phone to get confused about who's talking about what figures in which tables.</p>
<p>Does the school still require students to contribute a certain amount of money each year? I remember getting letters saying that I was expected to pay $1500 my first year and slightly more in subsequent years from summer income. If this is still in place, the travel and educational expenses might be tucked into that amount, too. It's hard to say ...</p>
<p>On another note, it's strange to realize that, six years ago, the total cost of attendance was right around $30,000. Two years ago, it was $42,000. Now, it's edging toward $50,000. What many students don't realize: that number is roughly half of the total annual operating cost per student. (Hooray for financial aid, donors you get to write thank-you notes to, and the generosity of alumnae.)</p>
<p>A final note to anyone looking for more financial aid: apply for outside scholarships. It's a pain in the neck, but loans are worse. There are scholarships all over the place, so start looking into them and mailing out applications.</p>