<p>Hey guys, I was wondering how much you all got and about the whole financial aid process for Early Decision admits.</p>
<p>I got only $6,500 in loans (both Penn loans and Federal Stafford Loans), which meant that my parents have to pay $41,080. However, that price tag is something that they cannot front. I think they’d probably be able to pay $20,000, but I have a little sister in elementary school, which is not free by any means. I could work in college, but that wouldn’t make up the other $20,000 by any means, which would mean even more loans (provided I don’t succeed in getting any scholarships that I am currently and will be applying for).</p>
<p>However, I’m wondering what kind of road there is to take on this. I know I’m obligated to go, and I really DO want to go to Penn, otherwise, why else would I have applied ED? But what can I do if we can’t pay for it? Can we wait for other schools to give me their decisions and compare packages if that’s at all possible? </p>
<p>I talked to a Student Financial Services rep yesterday from Penn on the phone, and she told me that there is a re-evaluation form online that we can fill out for ED applicants. Also, she said that the financial packages aren’t set in stone, meaning they can change after the FAFSA is filed, but that’s not exactly a guarantee that it’ll be enough or that it’ll change at all. </p>
<p>But as for financial aid that Penn is willing to give, what are the chances that they will give more after evaluating FAFSA or doing a re-evaluation? I know it also depends on our financial situation...</p>
<p>But does anyone know about the whole ED and waiting for other colleges thing??</p>
<p>Another weird question: Do I have to withdraw all my other applications by a certain date? My dad wants me to wait but that's a little retarded because I have to go to Penn anway if I got in to ED :s</p>
<p>I'm just going a little crazy, I haven't really even had the time to celebrate because of all this crap my parents are giving me about the whole money situation :(</p>
<p>I'm in the exact same situation, but I'm a little better off because Penn gave me the Trustee's scholarship, which replaces student loans within my demonstrated financial need with grants. Unfortunately, my demonstrated financial need is really low, so they still expect my parents to pay around $40,000. We'll also be applying for re-evaluation of financial aid, and if that doesn't work, I'm just going to apply to every scholarship I can find lol.</p>
<p><em>edit</em></p>
<p>I was told by the financial aid office that I could keep my UC and USC apps open, in the event that I really can't afford Penn, which hopefully won't happen.</p>
<p>I got scholarships/grants of around $41,000, leaving about $6,000 for us to pay. But if I accept a loan, then we only need to pay $2,500. I was expecting more, but I think that's pretty close to a full ride.</p>
<p>I was in a similar position last year. I suggest re-eval if you truly believe you need more, which seems to be the case with you.</p>
<p>Being an ed admit is a tough position when dealing with financial aid. Writing sfs or talking to your aid officer is a must. I don't think there was a re-evaluation form online. I just wrote sfs a letter and asked them for a re-eval. They eventually forked over more, but not after numerous correspondences. My advice: be persistent.</p>
<p>Damn, place8726, you got a sweet package!
I hope I get something similar... I'm still waiting for my damn package (I sent the missing document (parent's W-2 forms) days ago.
Yeah, I'm going to wait till I get my financial aid package, THEN I'm going to withdraw my other apps.</p>
<p>well you could always threaten to withdraw your ed if you don't get a good fin aid package because on their site somewhere it says a student can opt outa ed for financial reasons</p>