<p>How good is the financial aid office about negotiating aid? I know that aid packages haven't come out yet, but I'd still like to know.</p>
<p>this is a very good question, can anyone help us out?</p>
<p>I third this question, especially after getting NO financial aid!</p>
<p>Same here. My love for Reed doesn’t match my desire to keep my family in the black.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’ll likely be going to my in-state flagship now…it’s almost the exact opposite of Reed. Sigh. Well, at least my family won’t have to tak eout loans, and we’ll actually have some savings for my little sister!</p>
<p>Negotiate based on what…? The fact that your family’s income/expenses will be drastically different this year compared to last or the fact that you think their evaluation of your family’s contribution is unfair? Or are you hoping they want you so bad, they’ll throw a little extra money at you?</p>
<p>Generally, you will probably be more successful at “renegotiating” your aid in the first scenario and unlikely to get anywhere in the second two. You can appeal your fin aid decision if you think there are factors they didn’t take into consideration: [Reed</a> College | Financial Aid | REED COLLEGE - Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/financialaid/special_circumstances.html]Reed”>http://www.reed.edu/financialaid/special_circumstances.html) Merit-based aid certainly won’t happen-- a need-based model can be a blessing and a curse. I’m sorry that it might prevent some of you from attending and know how much that can suck. Just be smart about it, no college is worth $50k+ in loans IMO.</p>
<p>I’d say there is no actual negotiation; you can appeal, supplying additional information you think is relevant, and hope the school agrees.</p>