<p>I just got my aid package today. A LOT of loans. Basically, Cornell didn't give me any money. They made it seems like I had a lof of financial need but then gave me less than half of that need as grant. I'm ready to appeal since I got a much better package from another need-based prestigious school.</p>
<p>Should I call them first to give them a heads up or just fax them my papers for appeal? Also, when I call them, what should I say to increase my chance? Should I be like, "I really like Cornell but I can't afford this..." or "I like Cornell, but this other place gave me much more money, so I think I will go there if I can't get a better package..."</p>
<p>What is the other school? Because if they really want you, then you can just flash the offer from the other school during the appeals process. However, I don't know if that would antagonize them, though.</p>
<p>when we visited campus we met with a financial aid officer and she said that they give everyone $10k in loans before they give any grant money. so pretty much everyone with financial need is $40k in debt unless their need is <$10k a year</p>
<p>Ya I'd definitely appeal it and tell them the other school. Say u reallllly want to go to Cornell and will make the best of it ect....but then drop the name of the other school and how much they r giving u and say u will just go there if u don't get anymore aid because u flat out can't afford Cornell. GL </p>
<p>(I'd also list the other schools just so they c u have a lot of options that offered u a lot of money)</p>
<p>The best policy for arguing your financial aid package is always to be aggressive (read: don't call and say, "Can you give me more? Please?" Call and tell them about this other school and tell them that if something doesn't change, you're going there. Lay it all on the table.)</p>
<p>The other school is Dartmouth. Basically Cornell gave me twice as much as loans and 1/2 as much as grants. I love Cornell, but Dartmouth + grant sppeals to me more...
Also, I have an offer from another school, but that one's merit based. Should I put out that school's name as well? (prestigious state school)</p>
<p>oh sorry, I forgot to post the amount...
basically, Dartmouth gave me $11,000 grant and $3,000 loans along with $2,500 work study. On the other hand, Cornell gave me $7,000 grant and $10,000 loans along with $1,500 work study.</p>
<p>My mom's friend's son was actually (lol I've posted this already probably) was in the middle of a bidding war between Cornell and Dartmouth. That could be you! lol (Cornell won).</p>
<p>Cornell's fin aid is weird this year... usually they have the best aid but a weird situation happened to my friend</p>
<p>She got accepted into Columbia- Her aid package was all loans, work study,and a $5,000 grant.</p>
<p>She got accepted into Cornell- Her aid package was all loans, and like no grants.</p>
<p>She got accepted into Dartmouth- Her aid package was a full grant, and like a 5000 loan. She is looking to make her parents pay the 5000, leaving her loan free.</p>
<p>She was baffled at why 2 of her schools gave her a bad package, and 1 gave her a good, and all 3 received her css profile, and fafsa. </p>
<p>So she called Cornell, and told them about the packages and they said that it wont change. They were a little rude, and expressed verbatim "Their decision still stands."</p>