<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I appreciate your responses to my post. As it turns out, Swimcat and many of you were correct to recommend marching my heiny down to the financial aid office. I have a contact there and the outcome was very good.</p>
<p>It turns out that, this year, the only reason I didn’t get Perkins or FSEOG money was due to a late FAFSA turn in (as compared to other students). Because I’m older, and non-traditional, it took a little more time to get admitted. Next year, I’m told, I’ll be receiving the aid package that was outlined to me. This year, though, the funds just ran out. I was told if I get my FAFSA in with my Special Conditions form as soon as possible, I should have the aid package I need to live and attend. So that was good news for the future.</p>
<p>The best news was, once I went in to see her and explained my situation, a solution was immediately found. I was offered a need-based institutional loan to make up the difference. In addition, my college of study approved me for a minor supplemental aid grant for the semester, and I’m waiting to hear about a special state grant that I may get because of my field of study. The end result is that, with the loan, the workstudy, and the possibility of that grant, I’ll make it through this year. Just about all of my need is met. </p>
<p>So this year is a go, and next year will be even better. Thankfully, with that out of the way, I can now focus my efforts where they belong: study. </p>
<p>Thanks for those who offered tidbits of advice and info, as well as ways to get through the school year. Even though i’m in a better financial position, I’m going to take some of the advice to heart to really make the year even better. And if I’ve been a little harsh with some, I hope there are no hard feelings. I stand by what I said, especially about older students and the aid system, but I think it’s important to know that we’re really all just here to communicate what we know. :)</p>
<p>J</p>