<p>I just received my ED financial aid package letter in the mail today, and it's unfortunately not as good as my parents and I thought it would be. It's not impossible to pay but it could definitely be much nicer. My question is: is Cornell open to negotiations? the ED policy states one can pull out of the ED contract if Cornell can only provide an inadequate amount of aid - how much is "inadequate" exactly?</p>
<p>You say your parents CAN afford to pay but that they don’t want to pay that much. That won’t impress Cornell. Unless your parents financial picture has changed since you applied, you will get little if any extra money. Your parents would need to provide proof that they cannot pay.</p>
<p>I would definitely go ahead and call admissions. I have been told by admissions officers to other schools that you should. The worst that can happen is they say no. It may be smart to have your parents call though. You knew the possibly of not receiving enough aid before you applied so it may look better if they called and complained (well…negotiated) rather than you. They may hold more weight. But definitely contact them, you should be able to pull some more money out of them.</p>
<p>thanks for your replies!
as for pulling out of the ED contract, is there a certain threshold? because I’m assuming you can’t just say the aid is inadequate and not attend</p>
<p>I don’t know. That was something I considered when I applied to dartmouth ed but didn’t have the chance to consider the financial aid unfortunately as I was deferred. You’re probably correct in that assumption. I would do everything you can though to go to Cornell, it is the opportunity of a lifetime and you’re lucky to have been admitted.</p>
<p>thanks pfips123 
good luck during the regular admissions!</p>
<p>No problem. Thanks, fingers crossed!</p>
<p>The process to appeal your financial aid award can be found on the financial aid website. Appeals are usually granted only when your parents can demonstrate that the amount Cornell currently asks them pay would cause undue hardship to your family. Your parents will need to provide appropriate documentation to support their claims.</p>