<p>We're waiting to receive a financial aid package from Emerson College and I'm just wondering if we feel the aid offered is not enough, what is the best way to approach an appeal? We'll be going there in April for a visit, so I'm thinking it would be best to make an appointment and go in person, but I just don't know how to word it to come across respectful but, yet, firm. If the student has been accepted and offered money already at other schools, will that have any weight in asking for more money at Emerson? If anyone has had any experience with this, I'd appreciate some advice. Is there any kind of an average amount this school tends to offer? Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>You can only ask. If you have an unusual and specific circumstance last year that isn’t reflected in the financial aid documents that can be mentioned (unemployment, medical expenses, etc.) If your student is in the top percentages of entering candidates that can add weight to your request. If the other acceptances are at competitor schools that can sometimes add weight to the plea. If you do a search there are numerous threads with suggestions and anecdotal stories.</p>
<p>If your student is in the top percentages of entering candidates that can add weight to your request. If the other acceptances are at competitor schools that can sometimes add weight to the plea.</p>
<p>Very true…your child’s stats can play a heavier role in getting a successful appeal for more funding. Schools aren’t charities; they divvy their funds out in a way that suits their needs and makes them look good. </p>
<p>Having a better offer from a similarly ranked school can help. I don’t think it’s necessary to meet in person because a decision probably won’t be made at that time. Others have had success writing a polite email to the director of FA requesting an appeal, providing reasons, and attaching scanned in copies of other offers.</p>
<p>If you have an unusual and specific circumstance last year that isn’t reflected in the financial aid documents that can be mentioned (unemployment, medical expenses, etc.)</p>
<p>But, again, your child’s stats may weigh heavily on whether an appeal will work. Right now, I’m helping a student appeal for more aid at a private. Her stats are within the top 5% of the school. I think her appeal will be successful because of that. But, who knows??</p>