<p>I mailed all my applications today.. and as I was browsing the forums I realized I have forgot to check the box in the Common App. where it asks if I intend to apply for need-base financial aid. I was rushing and all, because the deadline is approaching..so I must somehow skipped that question.
Now my problem is...I DO intend to ask for need-base financial aid..actually, I am mailing the forms after Christmas.
Am I screwed? Is this going to jeopardize my application? Opinions?</p>
<p>Ermmm…anyone?</p>
<p>No screwage, no jeopardy. Call and say “I meant to check the box, but in my haste bypassed the question. Please have my application reflect the fact that yes, I do intend to apply for need-based FA.”</p>
<p>Easy.</p>
<p>… and follow up with a letter too requesting the same thing. You’re not “screwed”. What kind of heartless administrator would eliminate you from FA contention due to an oversight?</p>
<p>And what if I let things as they are? I mean, colleges will receive my FA forms so they will understand I intend to ask for FA. Would it be a problem?</p>
<p>Can’t help but wonder if anyone has done a “controlled study” of this. “Does checking the box change the outcome with regard to admissions or financial aid?”</p>
<p>“And what if I let things as they are? I mean, colleges will receive my FA forms so they will understand I intend to ask for FA. Would it be a problem?”</p>
<p>Yes, it could be a problem. I assume that colleges let financial aid know what students it admits so those admitted students can get an offer of financial aid. The financial aid office would have no reason to contact admission if it gets your financial aid forms. The financial aid office would get plenty of forms from students who aren’t admitted or who didn’t complete their admissions applications. By the time the school learns that you need aid, their aid may be all doled out. Most colleges don’t have enough financial aid to give every accepted student what the student needs.</p>
<p>Not checking the form also may reduce your chances of getting merit aid at schools that offer such aid. Colleges have found that students are more likely to attend their college if they get financial aid that’s disguised as merit aid.</p>
<p>At schools that are need sensitive, you may get an admission offer, but – after the school learns you need aid – you may not get any financial aid, which may mean that you’re out of luck for attending that school. </p>
<p>So-- call and e-mail the school and ask them to check that box for you.</p>
<p>Hmm, okay. Thanks Northstarmom. It is best to way until January to write them an e-mail? I guess it is useless to send them one now on Christmas Eve. In fact, they didn’t even received my application yet.</p>
<p>Claudia10, better call. I know you preffer writing them an email, but talking with a real person might help more ;)</p>
<p>The thing is I’m an international and a phone call will surely make me trembling. It’s not that I’m not confident with my language skills, but I might get all nervous and speak in a confusing way.
But, what if I have an improbable brave moment and I decide to call? When would it be best? Late January?</p>
<p>E-mail and ask for a reply. Then you’ll also have a record of what you sent.</p>
<p>If you call, you can write down what you’re going to say and just read off your paper when someone picks up.</p>
<p>Thank you Keilinger for your advice. I was thinking of the same thing too. But, does someone know when would it be best to e-mail or call, taking into consideration the time needed for my application to arrive and be processed?</p>