Please help me. I am a transfer student. My dad gambles almost everyday. He lost at least $500 at each casino, not included cash, even though he only makes $1,500 a month. He also asks me for money when his bank account went under $0. That’s why I dropped out because I used up my saving money for college.
My mom who lives outside of US has lupus nephritis so she has been receiving treatment in the hospital until now. It costs a lot of money. My saving is supposed to pay for her medical bill. I have an online shop and work part-time. With the financial aid I am awarded, there is still 10k left, not including housing. Loan would better be my last action.
And your question is…?
Do you have any advice what I should do or what I can write in an appeal letter?
You are not going to get additional aid because your father chooses to gamble away his money.
You will have to show payments of unreimbursed medical expenses for your mother. While her treatment may be expensive, do you have proof that you have paid the bills (not receipts of money you sent, but receipts from you paying the hospital/doctor)?
Are you a citizen? Have you taken your maximum loans for this year? You say you dropped out
.
What are you trying to do now, restart the semester or reapply for school?
Gambling losses…like spending money any other way.
Are you trying to transfer, and can’t cover $10,000 of the tuition PLUS room and board? If so…that’s at least $20,000 you can’t cover. Not an affordable option.
Hi Sybbie719, I think so too. The appeal form only asks for money loss from unexpected events.
About my mom, she is not on FAFSA or tax cause my parents were divorced. Her medical bills are in another language as well. I’m not sure if the school will accept that.
Do not ever tell your dad how much “available money” you have…in either savings or financial aid. If your dad thinks you have no money available, then he won’t demand/expect anything from you.
If you’ve ever watched, Judge Judy, you’ll see cases where irresponsible parents/stepparents bully their kids into giving the parents the kids’ financial aid money or job-savings.
Your story needs clarification. Your details are confusing. Are you saying that you’ve applied to transfer, and the new school isn’t offering you enough money? What school is this and what were you offered.
Thank you mom2collegekids. I applied and had been accepted to some schools. After the aid, I still need $10k tuition for Loyola University Chicago, $9k room for Augustana College.
For other colleges, I have tuition covered in aid, but still need to pay room and board.
You need to stop giving your dad money. No one will give you more financial aid because you have to support your father’s gambling habit. Whichever between Loyola and Augustana gets your further from your dad --'gomthere and don’t come home. And I agree with the advise to put whatever money you have or get in the future somewhere he can’t see that you have it.
Helping your mom who is in the hospital is a different story. That can actually be the basis for a financial aid appeal. Document the money you send her and her medical bills and talk to financial aid to see if there is anything they are willing to do.