<p>How successful are there "case-by-case" evaluations in terms of maximizing the amount of aid received? I expect to have a high EFC, but my family does not seem to be able to pay more than $10k/year for my education, so I want to know whether I should still consider applying to a number of east coast private college I'm considering.</p>
<p>Well, it took my college 3 weeks+ to get back to me just because my father doesn’t live with us here in the US. My parents are still married so it was a hassle getting them to understand what’s going on. </p>
<p>I think if you have the patience and know that you are going to be admitted, you should try. I think the FinAid office will try their best to accommodate your and the college’s needs.</p>
<p>The extenuating circumstance has to be significant for getting aid to help with EFC. Most schools can’t help, but some might help if you can demonstrate high medical bills or something like that. </p>
<p>Schools aren’t going to help if the parents just say, “Even though we have a high EFC, we think we can only pay $10k per year.” Schools don’t usually care if the family can’t pay because of a high mortgage, high credit card debt, car payments, etc.</p>
<p>This may sound harsh on their part, but most schools have very limited funds, so they have to be kind of strict about these things.</p>
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<p>“Not being able to pay” is not considered a special circumstance in and of itself. There has to be an extenuating circumstance that would not ordinarily be reflected on your financial aid application forms. These include high out of pocket medical bills, loss of significant income (although some schools do not consider this immediately because there IS the potential for the unemployed person to get a new job), some financial crisis (think…house burns down and you had no insurance). In addition to having one of these issues, you would be required to provide full disclosure and documentation. For example, if you were submitting for medical bills, you would need proof that you paid these out of pocket including the bills, denial of insurance benefits/lack of insurance, and proof of payment. </p>
<p>Things like high mortgage payments, car payments, credit card bills, etc…are NOT considered special circumstances. In fact, consumer debt is not considered a special circumstance. The only exception that MIGHT be considered is credit card debt due to a documented medical payment issue, or job loss. </p>
<p>But…you WILL be required to document EVERYTHING.</p>
<p>I think they’re more considerate if you were the opposite- low EFC. My friend sent in a letter along with her CSS explaining her situation. A couple days ago American U emailed her saying that they’re going to give her more money so she’ll be able to attend. </p>
<p>I’m not very sure but you could contact the school and talk to someone. Some schools are nicer than others, so while one may be sympathetic, another wont really care.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>I think there is some truth to the “low EFC” issue and needing more help (especially if it is a CSS school). In low EFC cases, the schools already know that these are low income folks who - for a variety of legitimate reasons can’t come up with a $2000 or so EFC.</p>
<p>However, if an EFC is highish, there’s not going to be a lot of sympathy if the inability to pay is because of consumer debt, high mortgages, and/or a desire not to change one’s lifestyle to afford college. </p>
<p>In the above “high EFC” case, the answer isn’t to go to an expensive school and expect them to somehow give you more money. That just isn’t a reasonable expectation (unless its Harvard). The better strategy is to find schools that will cost less than your EFC because of generous scholarships or because COA is low and affordable.</p>
<p>ok thanks</p>
<p>are fines or other “mandatory” payments (not including mortgages or bills) considered extenuating circumstances? and to what extent is unemployment considered one?</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>What do you mean by…“fines” or “mandatory payments”? </p>
<p>As for unemployment…if someone is unemployed for awhile (3-6 months plus) that can sometimes be an extenuating circumstance. But, there are no guarantees. Again, most schools cannot meet need anyway.</p>
<p>A fine is something usually imposed because you did something you weren’t supposed to do. I can’t imagine that colleges would consider this a “special circumstance” as it was avoidable.</p>
<p>Re: unemployed…if one of the parents is unemployed it might be considered…but that depends on the policies of the school. Some schools will not look at this until a period of time has elapsed…because the unemployed person MIGHT find a job in that time.</p>
<p>Call the schools and inquire. BUT again…be prepared to document EVERYTHING.</p>