<p>Congrats on the full ride at Wesleyan! It's pretty different from Bowdoin, but a great school nonetheless...Personally I work 12 hrs/wk with plenty of time to do school work and party on weekends. The trick is to schedule work for times unlikely to conflict with other commitments. For example, if you plan on partying Friday nights you shouldn't sign up for Super Snacks or Saturday morning brunch. Or, if you have a tough class on Wednesday, try not to take any shifts on Tuesday since you'll probably want to spend that time studying for the next day's class. It takes a little organization but makes the semester go by a lot easier.
Based on my experience, and that of friends in other jobs, the college generally tries to cap the number of hours students work a week to 20. Most bosses will let you go over a little if you need the cash but you could also take on multiple jobs. At that point, though, you'll probably find yourself having a very hard time studying, socializing, sleeping and working all at the same time regardless of how organized you are. There just aren't enough hours in the day...BTW, Bowdoin can be very generous with certain students and though you probably won't get a full ride, if you're parents make under 40,000 a year then the odds are you're going to get a pretty good FA package...</p>
<p>hey govman, quick question:
When you appealed for more financial aid, did you do most of the arguing yourself or did your parents? With whom did the FA office prefer to speak, and who was more effective? I, too, didn't qualify for financial aid and cannot go without it. I do not need much, but I need some...On all other college admissions stuff I did everything myself, but I am not sure if I should tackle this one or ask my father to. thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>Hi soccer4921: the college didn't ask to speak with any person in particular. Since I was the one pushing for Bowdoin my parents left it up to me to pretty much deal with the appeal and so I was the only one to talk with the college. The way the FA office works is that your package is determined by an FA officer who deals with admits from your area. Once I emailed the office and let them know I wanted more funds I got an email back from the officer dealing with kids in my area saying the appeal would be handled by Steve Joyce (the FA director). He was very polite and understanding so if you appeal I would encourage you to be polite but assertive since he kind of kept dropping hints that I needed to give him a good enough reason to make an exception to college policy. So basically I would say have whoever is most passionate and persuasive talk to the FA office but if you choose to, also make sure you're informed enough about your parents finances to answer any questions the college may have. When I talked with Joyce he started the conversation by saying he had a few specific questions he needed answered before he could consider revising the aid package and after I answered them I made clear how much I wanted to go to Bowdoin and that I just needed (like you it seems) some help with the bill. Good luck!</p>
<p>thanks so much govman! your post was really helpful...I think I am going to handle this by myself...and i might pm you with more questions btw :)</p>
<p>I knew I wasn't the only one having problems! Bowdoin's FA package for my family was barely a quarter of FAFSA's estimate and I cannot attend without a significant increase. The only problem is that I was admitted EDII. I applied under the impression that Bowdoin would take care of its students who needed aid, especially in these times. The past few weeks we've tried contacting them twice, both times they told us not to expect an increase but that they would run our data through again. We haven't heard from them in a week and I haven't withdrawn my other applications because we're not financially secure as far as college goes. I feel like they have trouble understanding special circumstances. How have you guys successfully contacted them about aid, I can't even find a way to contact Steven Joyce on the website. At this point I've almost accepted the fact that I'm not going to be able to go.</p>
<p>I just got my FA package from bowdoin today. They were really generous (compared to many ppl I see on CC) but still there is a gap that I will need to fill in by working and loans. I don't know if I am willing to do that yet since I was offered a full-ride to Wesleyan. I will have to decide if bowdoin will be worth it after the 4-day visit. Yay! :)</p>
<p>Congrats on the packages lacey! :D</p>
<p>AvantTao: Thanks. Hope you get yours soon too.</p>
<p>Hi laceyk, I'm glad to see you got a generous aid package! Though I may be biased, I definitely believe you should come to Bowdoin. Whenever you get lucky enough to get a full ride somewhere there is always a lot of pressure to attend (especially from parents), particularly when the school offering a full ride is as prestigious as Wesleyan. Still, I hope your visit will highlight the quality of life and resources Bowdoin students enjoy enough to justify a student loan!
Greengum, I'm sorry to hear about your situation and frankly I'm surprised the FA office is being so unresponsive to your calls. My guess is they are seriously reconsidering your package (how long does it take to say no?). Still, regardless of whether you applied ED or not, the college can't hold it against you if you simply can't afford it to go so I wouldn't worry about it causing problems with your other applications and I certainly wouldn't withdraw any of them.</p>
<p>govman: thank you for your input. Yes, I have lots of pressure from my parents but I will not let that affect my decision. I still have plenty of time before May 1st, so I will see how it goes.</p>
<p>Well Questbridge applicants get the most generous aid. So, Laceyk probably received as close to a full ride as Bowdoin gives. Even Questbridge fellows have some self-help component in their package including summer work, and possibly work-study. Within questbridge applicants, there may also be some variation based on actual family incomes since those from families making$ 20 K are in a different position from those making $ 60 K. </p>
<p>Expect the financial aid package to change annually depending on your family's income. They are not guaranteeing the same package no matter what.</p>
<p>Govman thanks for all the help!</p>
<p>I am going to visit Bowdoin during the "Bowdoin experience" days and cant wait! I think my dad will accompany me and try to convince the FA office to give us more money because our figures on paper are very misleading.</p>
<p>Has anyone tried talking to them in person? Do you think it makes a difference?</p>
<p>I've just e-mailed the financial office. I mentioned that Wesleyan's giving me more aid. I am not sure if that will work or just end up offending them making matters worse..lol</p>
<p>Hi Artemis, I'm glad to hear you'll be coming up to Bowdoin soon! I know lots of people who came during the Experience and they all talk about how much fun it was and many are still friends now! I hope you have a similar experience...
So about the FA visit. I was always kind of skeptical of the idea that visiting colleges personally for more money was a good idea (I think it sends a mixed message about finances) but since you'll be here anyway I think it makes more sense. I wouldn't expect an answer on the spot, though, because for them to revise a package requires more time than that, getting an answer before you leave might also be a little optimistic. I don't know if in-person visits are more effective, but I doubt that not meeting with the FA administrators will count against you. Good luck...I had the same problem with the numbers on paper being misleading and know how frustrating it can be!</p>