<p>Sorry to disrupt the peaceful death that has settled among the Pepperdine forum...
I filed my FAFSA almost a month ago in January and thought I had taken care of everything that Pepperdine requires for financial aid consideration. I know the priority deadline is tomorrow, February 15th, and I just got an email with a reminder from the financial aid department saying that I need to turn in two other forms (2008-09 Verification Worksheet and Federal Income Tax Return & W-2.) I was pretty sure that I was on top of things and I didn't think anything besides FAFSA was required. Did they just come up with this stuff and within the last month throw in on their website? I was sure I had thoroughly combed through every page and never read anything about these other forms. Luckily they will still accept them after Feb. 15, but still, I hate that I could have had it in on time and just didn't know about it.
How is everyone else's college quest going? I am about 90% sure that I'm going to go to IU... It's hard to pass up a debt-free life out of college versus the bottomless pit of financial doom I will be placed in if I choose to go to a school in Cali. Since FAFSA doesn't consider parental debt no matter what my EFC is I will be getting zero help from them. But who knows what these west coast schools will offer me...</p>
<p>We got that email yesterday, and found it a little unsettling as we had also combed the website to see if FAFSA was required since D will not be eligible for need based aid. It was also unsettling because until recently there was no way to check status of Nov apps, and recent emails suggested there would be time to comply if a problem was found.</p>
<p>I don't think the verification form needs to be in by Feb. 15th, because most people haven't even filed their taxes...and they want a photocopy. I think they need it after you file your taxes so they can compare 2006 to 2007, and see if there were any big changes.</p>
<p>Here's what ours said...</p>
<p>Just a Reminder... </p>
<p>Students who have applied for Fall 2008 and are requesting consideration for financial assistance from Federal, State, Private and University resources at Pepperdine University , Seaver College should complete the financial assistance process. </p>
<p>Our Financial Assistance priority deadline is February 15. You are required to complete the following documents in order to be considered for Financial Assistance at Pepperdine University , Seaver College , for the 2008-2009 academic year. </p>
<p>FAFSA 2008-2009 - (Free application for federal student aid) FAFSA</a> - Free Application for Federal Student Aid </p>
<p>Federal code 001264</p>
<p>Federal Tax Return & W-2s - Submit a signed copy of your parent(s) & your 2007 federal tax return, including all schedules and W-2’s. If you have not yet filed, use estimated figures on the FAFSA and submit a copy of your filed taxes to the Financial Assistance Office by 4/15/08. </p>
<p>Verification Worksheet - Complete the Dependent or Independent 2008-2009 Verification Worksheet</p>
<p><a href="http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/financialassistance/forms/forms-0809VerificationDependent.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/financialassistance/forms/forms-0809VerificationDependent.pdf</a> <a href="http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/financialassistance/forms/forms-0809VerificationIndependent.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/financialassistance/forms/forms-0809VerificationIndependent.pdf</a> </p>
<p>Cal Grant – All California residents must complete the FAFSA and GPA verification worksheet before March 2, 2008 to be considered for the Cal Grant. For more information regarding Cal Grants and eligibility visit the California Student Aid Commission website at California</a> Student Aid Commission - Cal Grants. </p>
<p>FWIW, I called and they said no FAFSA if you are hoping for merit but NOT need based aid, unless you want a PLUS loan.</p>
<p>Pepperdine</a> University - Seaver College - Financial Assistance - General Information</p>
<p>-FAFSA and Verification Worksheet is (was) due February 15th, but they said if you can't meet this deadline get it in ASAP.</p>
<p>-Federal Income Tax Return and W-2 Form needs to be in by APRIL 15.</p>
<p>Does Pepperdine give a lot of merit aid? I know they have the Regent and Dean's scholarships but anything else?</p>
<p>"A lot" is relative I suppose, and I'm not aware of the specifics, but there was a thread here on cc that suggested looking at USNWR to compare percent of people getting merit aid and avg. amt. among schools your considering, and Pepperdine came out pretty good. We were not looking for a "full ride" but knew there would be NO need based anywhere, so even a modicum of help is appreciated. I've read here getting it is a bit unpredictable, but this school and my D seem made for each other. (For us parents BTW, not so much).</p>
<p>Everything that you have said, Shrinkrap, could apply to us! My daughter thinks Pepperdine is great, and we, too, would appreciate a little financial aid. We do not qualify for need based aid, but paying for three children's college educations is really something.</p>
<p>My D loves Pepperdine also! She is so happy with academics, social and basically hasn't been happier! As far as the forms, I do remember when we applied that there was a pdf file that walked us through everything we ned to do for financial aid. It included everything you mentioned. Not sure if it is still up on the site, but it was helpful. I have heard that they are working very hard to procure more funds to be able to offer more to top candidates.</p>
<p>I am a Pepperdine 84' graduate. And I do know that the nice part of being a smaller private Christian institution is that they are not heartless and will go out of their way to make certain that the experience is pleasurable for both the student and the parents. We were in the same position as some of you in that need based aid was not possible. The my father's employer was acquired and and funds became tight. This is previous to when companies tossed out shares like candy. I applied for financial aid, but my father's 10-40 said we made too much. I went to Pepperdine's financial aid office and explained my case and how much it would mean to me to finish my education at Pepperdine. To make this story shorter, Pepperdine gave me a decent grant, basically they knocked off a few thousand dollars for each semester. Not because I was needy, but because they understand that life changes and you are not just what is on a piece of paper. Any little bit helps now I am possibly about to send a child to a private university. It doesn't hurt to ask. </p>
<p>By the way, my three years at Pepperdine were fantastic and truly memorable. Parents - Good luck to all of your kids!</p>
<p>JC*, my daughter knows that without some partial financial aid, Pepperdine will not be a real possibillity. Fortunately for her, she has already gotten some nice scholarship offers at other universities, so at least the smaller, private, college education that she really wants is available to her. I have followed your posts about your daughter and I know how much she likes Pepperdine. My daughter really likes Pepperdine, but I am playing that down a bit, until we find out #1, that she is accepted, and #2 scholarship possibilities. I guess that we still have to wait a little while longer!</p>
<p>I would definitely contact financial aid if you are offered less than the othr schools. I do know that pepperdine is trying to boost it's scholarship capabilities to attract good students. If she gets accepted and you arrange to visit, attend the accepted students preview day April 12th on the Malibu campus. If you do not live nearby there are other receptions.(Dallas, Portland, Houston, Seattle, San francisco, Phenix, Denver) Good luck with your decisions!</p>
<p>That sounds hopeful!</p>
<p>OUr twins ( S/D) have both applied and love Pepperdine. IF they should both be admitted, does anyone know when families find out about scholarship $? Like most on this board, our EFC exceeds the cost of both tuitions, but as east coast residents and two in school, etc.- scholarship funds would be very helpful. Both kids have been accepted at 3-4 schools so far and have earned substantial scholarships. However, these are not their top schools. </p>
<p>If kids get in we will attend accepted students day on the Malibu campus. Will we need to delve into scholarship funds more at that time- if we are fortunate enough to be there?</p>
<p>Thanks and good luck to everyone!</p>
<p>I believe financial aid packages are sent with or within a close timeframe to acceptance letters. I will hopefully see you in Malibu for the accepted student day!</p>
<p>Nothing to do with fin aid, but did anybody get that email a couple of days ago saying that your application was complete and ready for review? I know it means nothing, it's just that we have been hearing periodically from the other schools, and nothing from Pepperdine, until now. I guess this means that things are moving now! At least we don't have to worry about anything being missing.</p>
<p>Yup! I got that email too. Now just the grueling wait till April 1st...</p>
<p>Pepperdine was in the midst of changing their computer programs. The dean was not happy as he was worried about the apps. info, but the transition was completed about 2 weeks ago and they are on top of everything now, hence the emails! Good Luck and prayers until April 1st!</p>
<p>DD received the email but DS did not-so I guess he will need to call the school Monday to assure his application is in order. He did, however, receive the email that went out reminding students/parents of financial aid deadlines.</p>
<p>Does anyone have knowledge of whether # of applications is up at Pepperdine this year? Several of the other schools our twins have applied to have experienced large increase in #of applications-so admission will be even more difficult. Good luck to everyone!</p>