<p>My D got accepted at her 1st choice college and received a 3600 academic achievement award (for underrepresented groups at the college) I don't know which was her underrepresented status (racial or physically disabled) She attended their scholarship competition and recieved at 75% tuition award. The new financial aid award took away her original scholarship. Does this seem reasonable? There is still financial need left.
I have emailed the college regarding the issue but don't know if I am completely unrealistic. Boy, this financial aid stuff is complicated.
I suspected she will attend regardless - I can't see denying her first choice on 3600/yr extra debt. She would graduate with about 17000 loans and me with 10000 plus loan. (My EFC is 8874) No matter where she goes, I will need a second job - which I really don't mind for 4 years. Though I realize a second job will up my EFC
Thanks
Janie</p>
<p>Appeal - Appeal - Appeal</p>
<p>Sounds like a great basis for negotiating -- DOH! There I go using that word again.</p>
<p>If it's the college I think you are talking about , their FA office will listen . I happen to find that they will work things out so give the main Director of FA a call or an email right away !</p>
<p>Luckily , they have the guaranteed tuition for incoming students this year which helps .</p>
<p>hi again - I talked to my D's freind's Mom as I thought this sounded familiar . When her D got accepted , she got an $1000 academic award --but later , got a scholarship /tuition reduction that was bigger than the first award so what they actually did was INCREASE her award .</p>
<p>So in essence , they did give your D more money ( if I understand your numbers correctly )</p>
<p>Yes, they did overall increase her award. (It's Hiram). I did email the director of financial aid. She said that it is their policy to take away smaller awards when larger ones are given. I still don't get it really. It wasn't as if we hit 100% need. My special considerations form went down the tube as well. I am balancing out the tuition guarantee - that will make a differance.
I am very impressed with the college and feel they have the best chance of meeting D's needs so I think it is worth it. Boy am I anxious about the money.
Janie</p>
<p>I am sorry they couldn't do more but it's not a school that meets 100 percent need . My D LOVES it there --and even though we can't afford her "gap " & I go bonkers sometimes with it , we find the sacrifice worthwhile as she started at a State school ( full ride ) in her first semester and she was very unhappy. She was accepted at Hiram as a Senior in high school but we told her then , we could not do it financially but now we worked out a system with tax refunds , she got two summer jobs ,even selling family heirlooms , ect . I know your daughter is disabled and that's a worry but my D has a freind there is not well and people are so helpful to her so I hope she will like it . You can email me if you like .</p>
<p>How can I email you? Yes, I think it is worth the sacrifice too. I am already looking for a second job. I am also looking at selling stuff from the attic on ebay - there is a lot up there. I agree the disability contact there has been awesome. It is doable but stressful. I love to hear that your D loves it!
Janie</p>
<p>I think she meant PM her (personal message). Click on the 'My Control Pannel' (on top of the screen)--->click send new messages---->type in her screen name and bingo.</p>
<p>When she responds, you will have and entry other than zero on personal message (right below welcome jamie at the top).</p>
<p>oops ! I just saw the instruction today for Personal Message . I will set it up now . My D got an excellent renewal FA package from Hiram today ( she will be a Junior ) . That "guaranteed tuition plan " is a blessing as they did raise the tuition . If your daughter does not mind the quiet country /rural floavor of the campus , she will be happy .</p>
<p>I would not get a second job while D is in college it will only increase your EFC for the next academic year since your income will be higher. Take out the plus loans and when she is a senior begin working the second job to pay off the plus loans. The lower your income the less your EFC.</p>
<p>Mizo
I realize that it will increase my EFC but since we are getting no need based aid - I don't think it matters that much. All her scholarships are merit based. Trust me as a single parent, it doesn't take much money to no longer qualify for need based aid or even tax deductions.
Easydoesitmom
My D loves the atmosphere at Hiram. Because of her physical limitations - it is not as if she could walk around a large city anyway. SInce she has been homebound for 4 out the past 5 years - any environment that isn't just me and our cat is bustling with activity!!!
Janie</p>
<p>Janie,</p>
<p>I now understand your situtation. You are correct a second job will not effect your D's merit scholarships. Hiram is a great school.</p>